Sweet smell of success for Sugar Plum Sweetery
The sweet smell of success is as divine as the chocolate at the Sugar Plum Sweetery in Mullingar.
Their Dubai Chocolate Bar, launched last November, has become hugely popular thanks to a clever marketing campaign, and there are queues - both outside the shop on Dominick Street at times and online - as customers strive to find out what the fuss is about.
After a trip to Dubai, owners Denise Buckley and David Quirke were captivated by the iconic Dubai Chocolate Bar and set out to create their version for their Irish customers.
Their efforts have paid off spectacularly, as their creation has sparked a nationwide obsession.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner last Thursday, Denise said: “The Sugar Plum Sweetery has gone from a team of four or five this time last year to 20, and is growing to keep up with demand.”
Their daily production target is 3,000 Dubai Chocolate Bars and the team are working round the clock shifts to achieve that.
It means the customers at the award-winning Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate factory and shop never have to wait too long for their treats (online, there is a 30-day wait).
Denise said: “We’ve been operating nationwide for the last three years, but the demand for this bar is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Orders are up 500%, and people are reordering in bulk. The feedback has been phenomenal – people are absolutely in love with this bar!”
The Dubai Chocolate Bar is made with pistachios, toasted crunchy kataifi pastry, tahini, and milk chocolate.
The Sugar Plum Sweetery team spent a month trialling, testing, and perfecting their recipe before launching it last November. “It was a labour of love,” says Denise. “Every ingredient is made from scratch and blended to achieve the most magical and sensational flavour.”
The Sugar Plum Sweetery chocolatiers are also working on their Easter collections, which will feature more Dubai-inspired creations.
Asked about other plans for the future, Denise couldn’t be specific, but said: “We’re looking at doing some really exciting things in the next couple of months, whether it’s through wholesale partners or something exciting in the country.”
Faye Doyle, a student at St Joseph's Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, who was on work experience at the Westmeath Examiner, contributed to this article.