A CHOCOLATIER business from Bonane, Kenmare has been selected as one of the finalists for the National Enterprise Awards that take place next month.

Lorge Chocolatier will represent Local Enterprise Office Kerry at the prestigious awards that take place on June 1 in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.

Lorge Chocolatier, owned and run by Benoit Lorge, creates luxury, hand-made, high-end confectionery using top quality ingredients.

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They have two retail stores, one of which incorporates their factory where the chocolates are made. They supply chocolates worldwide through their website.

This is the 23rd year of the Local Enterprise Office initiative.  This year the finalists cover a range of sectors and industries from augmented reality tours and sensory friendly clothes designers to energy saving software platforms and agtech solutions farmers.

Tomas Hayes, Head of Local Enterprise Office Kerry said; “The National Enterprise Awards serve to highlight the very best businesses that the Local Enterprise Offices are working with across the country. The diversity of sectors and innovation shown again this year is outstanding and the winners will no doubt produce businesses destined for international success. These Finalists have shown outstanding resilience to get to where they are today and we are looking forward to celebrating with them at the Awards”.

The Finalists compete for a prize fund of €50,000 and along with an overall National Enterprise of the Year winner there are categories for Best Start-Up, Best Export Business, an Innovation Award, a One-to-Watch Award, and a Sustainability Award.