This week we caught up with husband-and-wife team Brian & Rachel Nolan, co-founders of Irish food brand Nobó. As they enter into their 8th year in business, they shared a snapshot of the Nobó journey so far, as well as some exciting plans for their next chapter!
About Nobó
Nobó was started in 2013 by husband and wife, Brian and Rachel Nolan, with a mission to create delicious, clean plant based treats from simple natural ingredients.
Nobó brought Ireland's first dairy free ice cream to the market with their ‘Frozen Goodness’ product - a unique alternative to ice cream made from a simple blend of coconut milk and avocado, and completely free from any stabilisers or gums.
The Nolan’s developed the recipe for their Frozen Goodness in their home kitchen where it took them many many hours (and lots of failed attempts!) as they didn’t want to use any refined sugars, gums, stabilisers or dairy. Once they had an ice cream they were happy with they started attending local Dublin Farmers Markets to get customer feedback and try out different flavours. Read the backstory here.
In 2017 Nobó launched their dairy free chocolate range. A creamy plant-based “milk” chocolate made from Fair for Life Congolese cacao nibs and stone ground with cashew nuts and coconut. Nobó chocolate has 50% less sugar than traditional milk chocolate, and contains just 7 ingredients of less. Their chocolate is now available in both large bars (80g) and giant buttons (30g) in a variety of flavour including coconut, orange, mint and salted caramel. Nobó chocolate buttons are wrapped in fully compostable packaging.
Today, Nobó chocolate and ice cream is available throughout Ireland including all Fresh Stores, and their chocolate is exported to Canada, where it is listed with Wholefoods. Their chocolate is also available online in the Netherlands, where they are working on launching into retail shortly. To date, Nobó have won over 23 Great Taste Awards across their ranges, as well as numerous other Irish Food Awards.
The Next Chapter
Nobó are striving to create a kinder, more vibrant, positive world by inviting more people to treat themselves better. All of Nobó’s products are made in Ireland and are free from dairy, refined sugar, soy and gluten. Through innovation and driven by a mission to create more sustainable and environmentally conscious treats, Nobó are continuing to expand their product range and develop more plant based healthier alternatives.
In Autumn 2021, Nobó will be embarking on an exciting next step opening their flagship store called The Treathouse in Dublin 6, to bring the ethos and mission of the business to life. This will be a home for the brand and will consist of a retail space, small scale chocolate manufacturing, online fulfilment and offices all under one roof. At the centre of the Treathouse will be our unique glass enclosed chocolate lab - a creative space where our Master Chocolatier will be crafting delicious craft chocolate and handmade truffles and bonbons from our creamy single origin organic chocolate...as well as in house snacks and goodies using only wholesome plant based ingredients. Everything available at The Treathouse will be made from natural plant based ingredients and free from refined sugar and dairy. Visit The Treathouse.
Nobó are hoping to open the doors of our Treathouse later this year and can’t wait to welcome you all then. In the meantime keep an eye on their social media channels and website www.nobo.ie for more details where they’re looking for suggestions on what you would like to see available at The Treathouse!