RYSE Chocolate, supported by Local Enterprise Office Meath, were named Best Start-Up at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The company, founded by brothers-in-law Ian O’Rourke and David Stone, has developed Europe’s first caffeinated chocolate bar and is set to expand into the UK and US markets. The awards, which took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin, were in their 26th year and are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.
RYSE is a functional chocolate energy bar, with each 26g bar containing 80mg of caffeine—comparable to a can of an energy drink—and 15% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins B6 and B12. The range is currently available in three flavours—milk chocolate, mint chocolate, and orange chocolate—all in a convenient on-the-go format. The bars are suitable for use before exercise, during busy workdays, or when a sustained energy boost is needed.
Above; L-R Kieran Comerford, Head of Local Enterprise Office Network, Minister Peter Burke, Ian O’Rourke, David Stone co-founders RYSE Chocolate, Lorna Cooney, Dan Hamilton, LEO Meath. Pic 2; RYSE Chocolate co-founders, Ian O’Rourke, David Stone with their award.
Co-founder of RYSE Chocolate, Ian O’Rourke, said: “We are delighted to be representing Meath at these awards. What started as a brainwave three and a half years ago is now becoming a really exciting and groundbreaking business. Our entire mission is to do energy differently and this carries through our entire business from our bars to our marketing and this has definitely resonated with consumers. The continued support we have received from the Meath LEO has been brilliant and really makes us proud to be representing the Royal County at these awards.”
Director of Economic Development in Meath County Council, Majella Farrell, said: “this award is yet another endorsement of calibre and innovativeness of small businesses within the county. “We are delighted to see such an early-stage company scale so quickly and gain real market traction in this fast-moving consumer goods space. They are a great example to other start-ups, and we wish them well on their journey to become a globally recognised brand.”
