One of the favourite times of the year for Lir

M&S is to stock Larry, the Irish chocolate company’s seasonal sell-out, for a second year; Annual sales at firm around €27m, 90 per cent of it generated abroad

Ann Murray, managing director of Lir Chocolates, at the company HQ in Navan, Co Meath Pic: Barry Cronin

The pre-Easter boost in sales at Lir is a reminder for the Co Meath-based chocolate company that its business is a lot like a fashion brand: there are three distinct seasons a year and customers demand constant meaningful innovation.

Lir sells chocolates under its own brand name, but also has lucrative contracts with major supermarkets including Tesco and Marks & Spencer.

One of the products it makes for M&S, Larry the Laid Back ...