Last Sunday marked the first anniversary of Thomas Andrew Caffrey (1917– 2010), founder of the oldest remaining family-owned, Irish chocolate company: Caffrey's Confectionery. 'Ireland's answer to Willy Wonka' was credited with personally inventing such treats as Marshmallow Mice, Macaroon and Mint Crisp bars, and Chocolate Tea Cakes.
Though based mainly in Ireland, Caffrey's also provided confectionary for the 1953 coronation of (the currently topical) Queen Elizabeth II. Fundamental to success during this and other ventures, was the fair treatment of staff. Caffrey remained with his company well into his seventies, also continuing with the tradition of enjoying a daily treat, and favouring his own invention - the Coconut Snowball - above any other.
