Provincial Government Supports Iconic Local Brand

  • Executive Council
  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

September 20, 2019

To further diversify and support economic development in the province, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a business investment loan for the Newfoundland Chocolate Company. Premier Ball was joined at the announcement by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation which coincided with a grand opening ceremony for the company’s new location, in St. John’s.

The Newfoundland Chocolate Company received a $240,000 business loan to assist with the establishment of a 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility at the company’s new Torbay Road location. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency and increase production capacity, allowing for greater opportunities to reach markets outside of the province and region.

The Newfoundland Chocolate Company is owned and operated by Brent Smith and Christina Dove. The company employs over 100 people, and has 10 retail locations in Atlantic Canada.

Support for this project delivers on commitments of The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“It is important to support the development of innovators and entrepreneurs, such as Brent Smith and Christina Dove, as their vision and work play a vital role to the economy in our province. Growing the Newfoundland Chocolate Company to a business with 10 locations and 100 employees in such a short period of time is impressive. We want entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities, rather than focus on limitations, and I am pleased our government supports business leaders as they grow and diversify our economy.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“In less than 10 years, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company has grown into one of our province’s most recognizable and iconic brands. Support from our government will help the company open the door to growth and export opportunities, which will lead to increased employment opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“We’re thankful to the Provincial Government and more specifically the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for the support they’ve offered in helping us build a new chocolate engine to drive our export plans. It’s the largest initiative in our company’s history and it would not have been possible without the support of our Provincial Government.”
Brent Smith
Newfoundland Chocolate Company

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Learn more
Programs and Services That Support Business in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland Chocolate Company

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Media contacts
Geoff Higdon
Office of the Premier
729-3558
geoffhigdon@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Heather Elliot
Newfoundland Chocolate Company
709-685-5134
heather@newfoundlandchocolatecompany.com

2019 09 20 12:05 pm