Chocolate Memories celebrates second birthday

Autism Initiatives NI provide direct support services to young adults with autism in Northern Ireland. Over 200 clients receive services from around 300 staff which include residential housing, supported living, social activities, day opportunities and social enterprise.

The charity launched their innovative social enterprise Chocolate Memories in 2010 and they are now on sale in more than 20 retailers. They recently hosted an amazing day of chocolate tasting as they decide which new flavours they will launch as part of their two year birthday celebrations.

As the chocolate tasting began in earnest, guests were asked to comment on and grade the flavours. These comments and grades will inform the choice between the new flavours that Chocolate Memories will launch in October.

The team were delighted to welcome Councillor Ann Marie Beattie from the Lagan Rural Partnership and Caroline and Melissa, representatives for the Rural Development Programme, of which Chocolate Memories received capital funding to renovate the factory and to purchase equipment.

In September 2011 Chocolate Memories also received a grant from the Big Lottery Fund ‘Awards for All’ programme and funding officer, Sandy Rockett, was among the invited guests.

The day was a great success from start to finish with more than 100 guests arriving throughout the day.

Autism Initiatives National Director, Alan Hanna, said: “This was a really great day to be a part of. The Chocolate Memories team have really shown how much they and the business have grown over the past two years.”