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.