Chocolate company born in lockdown becomes sell-out success at South Shields market

Kevin Reay 26, from South Shields launched The Canny Chocolate Company in September 2020 and has been overwhelmed by the response since.

Kevin has been running the business online, making all kinds of chocolate treats from his home in South Shields.

After continued sales, Kevin’s up and coming business took a big step as he decided to open a stall at South Shields Market, quickly becoming a sell out success.

Mr Reay said, “The support has been overwhelming. With online sales going extremely well and being a relatively new business, things have been moving extremely quickly.

“Whilst I am unable to afford a shop or unit, South Shields market seemed like the perfect place to showcase my chocolate and get out to meet local customers.

“Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming and it has been so lovely to meet so many people who love chocolate. The market has so much to offer people. It is such a great location and there is an increasingly greater variety of stalls.”

Selling all kinds of chocolate treats, Kevin was inspired to start The Chocolate Company during the pandemic after leaving his job and P&O Cruises shortly before the crisis began.

To Kevin’s surprise, his first day on the stall saw him completely sell out of all products as shoppers lapped up his chocolate treats.

The Canny Chocolate Company offers a number of different chocolate products, including truffles and Belgian chocolate buttons, as well as a chocolate fountain hire and wedding catering.

Kevin added: “Chocolate is something that everyone enjoys and I have recently been approached and started to stock my chocolates in a number of independent shops and businesses. I have even been contacted and asked about weddings and private events.”

As the business continues to grow, Kevin is constantly coming up with new products and ways to better reach customers, with hopes of one day possibly opening a Canny Chocolate shop.

The Canny Chocolate Company can be found online at www.thecannychocolatecompany.com and Kevin can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07984 890664.

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