Innovation, Business and Rural Development
August 8, 2013
$14,500 Investment Supports Local Company’s Efforts to Grow Market Presence
The Provincial Government has provided $14,500 to the Newfoundland Chocolate
Company Inc. to help build market presence and support the exploration of
market development prospects, including attending key industry trade shows,
consultations with industry experts, and the development of a comprehensive
digital marketing strategy.
“The skill and craftsmanship that goes into the chocolate made by the
Newfoundland Chocolate Company is second to none,” said the Honorable Keith
Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “This
investment of $14,500 will assist the company with establishing the market
presence that is indicative of the quality of chocolate they create and will
squarely place them among other nationally known Newfoundland and Labrador
products on the market.”
Started as a small, home-based business, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company
was established in 2008 and is co-owned by chocolatiers Brent Smith and
Christina Dove. The company produces handmade, artisan chocolates using
natural ingredients. In 2009, Mr. Smith and Ms. Dove opened a retail
location on Duckworth Street in St. John’s, founding the province’s only
artisan chocolate shop.
“The Newfoundland Chocolate Company has enjoyed tremendous growth in our
first five years of business, expanding into new markets across Canada and
employing 30 people at peak periods,” said chocolatier/owner Brent
Smith. “Our ability to grow and venture into new markets has been made
possible through the support and partnership of the Department of
Innovation, Business and Rural Development. This funding will enable us to
explore and establish new markets for our gourmet chocolates throughout
Canada.”
Additional information on the Newfoundland Chocolate Company can be found
at:
www.newfoundlandchocolatecompany.com.
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Photo:
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, tours The Newfoundland Chocolate Company with Chocolatier/ Owner, Brent Smith – August 8, 2013.
Media contacts:
2013 08 08
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