Holly Garner is a chocolatier, chocolate engineer (yes, it’s really a thing) and creator of the award-winning chocolate company based in Devizes, Wiltshire: Hollychocs.
When she was growing up, Holly was always asking difficult questions. What’s that? How does it work? Why does it do that? By the time she reached secondary school she had developed a fondness for maths, science and all things practical. Throw in a love of chocolate – bordering on obsession – and her future was beginning to look sweet.
After graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Holly joined Cadbury where she eagerly applied the principles of chemistry, physics and maths to improving production and solving the trickiest of chocolatey problems.
Holly has two great passions in life: chocolate and people. So after marrying the man of her dreams and starting a family, it was a fairly safe bet that her sights would turn to running her own chocolate business. Holly’s aim is simple: to produce exceptional chocolates and build a business she can be proud of.
Holly’s chocolates are lovingly handmade in small batches and have a complexity of flavour that truly sets them apart from the rest (eat your heart out Heston Blumenthal). With a high cocoa and low sugar content, each chocolate is a blend of passion, chemistry and exceptional ingredients; all carefully engineered to provide you with the ultimate sensory experience.
Holly’s chocolates not only look and taste incredible, they are made using the finest natural ingredients sourced from Fairtrade and ethical suppliers. With a passion for all things eco-friendly, Hollychocs wholeheartedly supports local and small businesses and leaves behind only the tiniest of carbon footprints.
Holly was awarded a staggering four Taste of the West Gold awards in 2020 for the four flavours of chocolate she entered: Gin Fizz, Lemon Meringue Pie, Icelandic Lava Salted Caramel and Raspberry Rose Delight. Reflecting on her recent success, Holly commented: “Riding high on the back of 3 coveted industry awards in as many months, you’d think I’d be pretty chilled about entering another four of my chocolatey offspring into the Taste of the West 2020 Awards, but not a bit of it – I think I was even more nervous this time round!
“Then came the announcement: 4 entries and 4 Gold Awards! I breathed a huge, happy sigh of relief and let the news sink in. After only 9 months of trading, Hollychocs is now the proud owner of 7 coveted chocolate industry awards. Being recognised as a credible addition to the world of chocolate-making has not only given me a warm fuzzy glow, but it also shows everyone just how good we are.”
Holly’s Icelandic Lava Salted Caramel was named one of three finalist products in the chocolate category of the Taste of the West Product Awards 2020. The judges described her chocolates as “simply stunning” and were blown away by the beautifully tempered, silky smooth chocolate which surrounds the soft and creamy filling. The flavour is rich and intense with just the right balance of salt and caramel.
Raspberry Rose Delight was crowned Taste of the West’s Champion Vegan Product of the year. The judges all agreed its evocative, deep rich cocoa aroma really got their taste buds going. Perfectly formed in every way with so much care and attention given to each and every perfectly formed chocolate in the box. The raspberry flavour is fresh and sharp, contrasting beautifully with the richness and intensity of the dark chocolate.
Whether a gift to yourself or a loved one, Holly’s chocolates truly are a treat to be savoured, relished and enjoyed – a unique chocolate experience unlike any other. See for yourself at hollychocs.com.
