Rising cost of cocoa isn't stopping a Shropshire Chocolatier

The rising cost of Cocoa has seen a Shropshire chocolatier find new ways to maintain a successful business.

Cocoa prices have been on a significant upward trend due to several factors, including climate change impacting harvests in West Africa.

Choc Tilly in Shropshire was opened in May 2021 with a unit in the Maws Craft Centre, then in 2022 they opened their second premises in the High Street of Much Wenlock.

Despite the financial challenge for small businesses Natalie, the owner of ChocTilly used it as an opportunity to look at other revenue streams including the introduction of chocolate workshops:

"I like to see it as an opportunity to make some changes. One of those changes, we have been and continue to focus on is our children's workshops. We've made them SEN friendly so those with special education needs can come into a safe environment and make chocolate."

"I definitely think there needs to be more young people getting involved in chocolate, it is such a great business to be in, even if it's just as a hobby, it's so good for your mental health and adults as well, because you can just be a big kid."

She also thanked all her new customers and those that return on a weekly basis to support her and stock up on their favourite chocolate treats.

Natalie added:

"It's been really tricky to try and hold the prices in the business to keep customer retention and keep it at a price that's still affordable, pay my staff, pay my overheads and pay for my two business premises"

You can find out more about the ChocTilly workshops and shop online here.

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