Lily O’Brien’s chief sweet on growth but warns cost of chocolate can’t withstand cocoa price surge

Irish chocolate firm has grown past pre-Covid sales, but inflation is set to put pressure on profits, says CEO Michelle Vance

‘We want to make Lily O’Brien’s a global brand, not just predominantly Ireland and the UK,’ says Vance. Photo: Peter Owen

Sean Pollock

Irish chocolate brand Lily O’Brien’s has exceeded pre-Covid sales as its Polish owner considers investing in its Newbridge, Co Kildare, factory – but factors such as surging cocoa prices are set to pressure profits.

Speaking with the Sunday Independent, Michelle Vance, chief executive officer at Lily O’Brien’s, said the company had experienced a “good couple of years”. The chocolate brand, founded in 1992 by Mary Ann O’Brien, recorded a 30pc growth in retail last year, with the UK business growing by around 31.4pc.

Subscribe today

for the best News, Sport, Analysis and Entertainment

SPECIAL OFFER

premium +

from €2.67/week

  • All the benefits of Premium
  • ePaper of Irish and Sunday Independent
  • ePaper of 13 local newspapers
  • ePaper archive back to December 2015
  • Easy-to-read swipeable format

+ ALSO INCLUDES

€75 O'Neills gift card with an annual subscription

SPECIAL OFFER

premium

from €1.90/week

  • Unlimited web & app access
  • Subscriber-only newsletter
  • Monthly rewards
  • Interactive puzzles
  • Flexible payment options

+ ALSO INCLUDES

€75 O'Neills gift card with an annual subscription

*Special offer is available to new subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Already a subscriber?