Meet Kieran, the man behind Yamba Chocolate Co.—a local treasure that’s bringing ethically sourced, lovingly crafted, melt-in-your-mouth magic to our community. Kieran’s chocolate-making journey is as rich and layered as his delectable treats and his story is one of passion, resilience and a deep commitment to family, quality and Yamba itself.

From Trade Tools to Chocolate Tempering

Kieran didn’t start out in a cloud of cocoa powder. For years, he worked a trade, but life had other plans. With a growing family and a need to be closer to home, Kieran turned his five-year chocolate-making passion into a full-time venture. What started as a dream now hums along in a commercial kitchen right in his backyard, supported by his family, fueled by his dedication and welcomed by Yamba locals with open arms (and mouths).

Bean to Bar, Heart to Hand

At Yamba Chocolate, there’s no shortcut to excellence. Kieran meticulously hand-sorts, roasts, de-husks, and grinds every cacao bean for over 40 hours before tempering and moulding each bar. The result? Chocolate so pure it only needs two ingredients—cacao and local sugar.

Kieran’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the chocolate itself. His cacao is ethically sourced, with a supply chain that supports growers fairly. And those extras—marshmallows, honeycomb, and caramel? Made from scratch on-site using local honey and sugar. It’s more time-consuming, sure, but the difference in taste is undeniable.

Why Local Matters

“I’ve been blown away by how welcoming Yamba has been,” says Kieran. “Supporting small businesses like mine doesn’t just keep the lights on; it makes a real difference to the daily lives of people working hard to bring something special to the community.”

It’s not just about chocolate for Kieran—it’s about building something meaningful for his family and the Yamba community. And as anyone who’s sampled his creations can attest, he’s nailing it.

The Sweetest Invitation

Want to taste the love (and a little magic)? Head down to the Yamba Farmers Markets at Whiting Beach car park on Wednesdays from 7 to 11 am. Kieran is there with free samples and a smile, ready to share his passion with anyone who stops by.

Whether you’re a dark chocolate devotee, a honeycomb enthusiast or just someone who appreciates quality treats made with heart, Yamba Chocolate Co. is more than just dessert—it’s a story of resilience, family, and a whole lot of love, wrapped up in every bar.

So come for the chocolate, stay for the story, and leave knowing you’ve supported something truly special.