NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate is an independent, family-run bean-to-bar chocolate maker based along the Mourne Coast in County Down, Northern Ireland. Operating out of the scenic Mourne Coast Guildhall, NearyNógs is celebrated as Northern Ireland’s first craft bean-to-bar chocolate maker.
Unlike commercial chocolatiers who melt pre-made bulk chocolate mass, NearyNógs controls the entire production cycle from scratch—sourcing single-origin, ethically traded cocoa beans directly from smallholder farms and co-operatives worldwide, then sorting, roasting, cracking, winnowing, stone-grinding, aging, tempering, and packaging them by hand.
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│ NearyNógs Core Pillars │
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│ 1. True Bean-to-Bar Craftsmanship │
│ • Direct transformation of raw cocoa beans into single-origin chocolate. │
│ • Traditional granite stone-grinding to preserve natural flavor notes. │
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│ 2. Ethical Direct Trade & Transparency │
│ • Direct sourcing from small-scale farms paying far above Fairtrade rates│
│ • Zero child labor, supporting sustainable farming communities. │
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│ 3. Solar-Powered & Eco-Conscious Manufacturing │
│ • Sustainable production powered by renewable solar energy. │
│ • 100% plastic-free, biodegradable, and compostable packaging. │
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NearyNógs was founded by husband-and-wife duo Shane and Dorothy Neary. The brand name takes inspiration from local Irish folklore and family history, reflecting a deep connection to the surrounding landscape of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough.
The business began modestly in 2011, initially focusing on small-batch confections for local farmers' markets. However, as their fascination with cocoa origins grew, the couple transitioned entirely to true bean-to-bar production. In 2019, NearyNógs moved into a custom-designed, solar-powered factory space along the Mourne Coastal Route, allowing them to scale their craft production while offering educational factory tours and tastings to visitors.
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| Single-Origin Cocoa |
| Beans (Ethical) |
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| PHASE 1: SORTING & ROASTING |
| - Manual hand-sorting to eliminate defective beans |
| - Custom low-temperature roasting to draw out unique origin profiles |
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| PHASE 2: WINNOWING & STONE-GRINDING |
| - Cracking and shell separation (winnowing) to isolate cocoa nibs |
| - Granite stone-grinding for up to 72 hours for micro-smooth refinement |
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| PHASE 3: AGING, TEMPERING & PACKAGING |
| - Maturation period to let flavor notes develop and balance |
| - Hand-tempering, molding, and sealing in 100% plastic-free, foil-free wrap |
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NearyNógs sources single-origin beans from distinct terroir-driven regions worldwide, including:
Dominican Republic (Okö-Caribe): Known for warm chocolate notes, deep berry undertones, and caramel finishes.
Ecuador (Hacienda Victoria): Highlighting delicate floral notes, nuttiness, and subtle fruitiness.
Guatemala & Peru: Offering complex acidity, citrus notes, and rich cocoa depth.
By dealing directly with co-operatives and ethical exporters, NearyNógs ensures cocoa farmers receive premium pricing—often double or triple standard market commodity prices—fostering community stability in cocoa-growing regions.
To refine the cocoa nibs and organic unrefined cane sugar, NearyNógs utilizes traditional granite stone-grinders (melangers). The grinding and conching process runs continuously for 48 to 72 hours. This slow, friction-driven refinement reduces particle size until smooth on the palate while gently venting off unpleasant volatile organic acids.
Environmental stewardship is embedded into every layer of NearyNógs' operational model:
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│ Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Model │
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│ Area │ Implementation │
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│ Energy Generation │ On-site solar panels power factory machinery and │
│ │ temperature-controlled aging spaces. │
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│ Packaging │ Completely plastic-free; uses plant-based foil │
│ │ (NatureFlex) and recyclable card stocks. │
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│ Waste Reduction │ Cocoa shell byproducts are repurposed for tea │
│ │ infusions, garden mulch, and local compost. │
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| Feature | Industrial Mass-Market Chocolate | NearyNógs Model |
| Cocoa Origin | Blended commodity beans from unknown sources | Transparent single-origin beans traced to specific farms |
| Ingredients | High sugar, cocoa butter substitutes, soy lecithin, artificial flavorings | Minimal ingredients (Cocoa nibs, organic unrefined sugar, organic cocoa butter) |
| Processing | High-heat rapid processing destroying subtle flavors | Gentle low-roast & long-duration granite stone-grinding |
| Ethical Standards | Often tied to volatile market rates and supply-chain issues | Direct trade paying well above Fairtrade minimums |
| Packaging | Single-use plastic inner wrappers | 100% home-compostable and plastic-free packaging |
NearyNógs represents the intersection of Irish heritage, environmental responsibility, and international craft culinary standards. By maintaining complete control over their bean-to-bar manufacturing process, Shane and Dorothy Neary have established a sustainable model that honours both the cocoa farmers at origin and the natural beauty of the Northern Irish coast.