Suffolk-based craft chocolate makers are delighted after scooping a coveted royal business award.
Father-and-daughter team Chris and Joanna Brennan founded their award-winning bakery and chocolatier business - Pump Street - in Orford in 2010.
The company is now the proud recipient of a King’s Award for International Trade following huge growth in its overseas trade.
Its international exports rose by 78% between 2019 and 2021 - as sales to China and the USA soared.
North America accounted for 50% of its export trade and Asia 30%. It also sent 12% to customers in the European Union.
The sales surge has propelled the company to one of North America's market leaders in the craft chocolate category.
Joanna said their vision was to build awareness of high quality chocolate - from the cocoa bean to the skills and craft of the chocolate maker.
"We are so honoured to have received this award in the first year of King Charles III’s reign," she said.
"His Majesty’s ethics align closely with ours in terms of sustainability, the delivery of quality produce through fair means.
"We have spent a great deal of time and put heavy emphasis on nurturing relationships across the business by frequently visiting and supporting our local and international partners ensuring a personal connection.
"We are proud of our British heritage, but thrive on global connections to ensure we maintain an innovative approach to flavour which we feel was a defining factor in our win."
Pump Street - which has operations based in Orford and Rendlesham - makes naturally-leavened bread and handmade pastries as well as craft chocolate.
Most of its chocolate bars are made using cocoa, cocoa butter and some cane sugar "with few ingredients added to allow the complexity of the bean to shine".
The self-taught bakers and chocolate makers source their cocoa beans from estates and cooperatives based in tropical countries that ferment and dry the beans at origin.
It says its "transparent, honest, and sustainable supply chain" and direct trade means it can pay growers prices far greater than fair trade.
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