'This new partnership is a significant milestone': Northern Ireland chocolate maker lands US distribution deal
NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate secures international growth opportunity after Invest NI support helped connect the craft producer with a new US partner
A Newry-based craft chocolate manufacturer is expanding into the US market after securing a new distribution agreement for its handcrafted products.
Founded by husband and wife team Shane and Dorothy Neary in 2011, NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate is recognised as Northern Ireland’s first bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker and one of the longest-established businesses of its kind in Ireland.
The Rostrevor company secured the deal after support from Invest Northern Ireland enabled it to attend the North West Chocolate Festival in Seattle in October 2025, where it connected with its new US distribution partner.
Founder Shane Neary said the agreement marked an important milestone in the company’s growth journey.
“This new partnership is a significant milestone for NearyNógs,” he said.
“Invest NI’s support in connecting us with our new distributor has opened the door to new customers in the US and gives us a strong platform to grow our handcrafted chocolate brand internationally.”
The agreement will allow NearyNógs to bring its range of stoneground chocolate products to a wider audience in one of the world’s largest consumer markets, supporting the company’s ambition to expand its international presence.