Mouldable chocolate product Magic Choc has scooped the Creative Services accolade at The Irish Times Inter-Trade-Ireland Innovation Awards.
It beat two other finalists to win - vStream Group's 5D video product and a Fire-Blast Protection System by FBPS Holdings - as well as more than 300 initial registrations.
Magic Choc inventor Stephen Lennie (pictured right) accepted the award on stage, with his daughter Natalie Lennie (pictured left).
Speaking at the event, Dr Chris Horn, who chaired the final judging panel, said the entries highlighted the talent at work despite the tough economic climate.
Made from 100 per cent Belgian chocolate, the flexible chocolate is available in the UK, and is building international sales in more than 40 countries worldwide, including Greece, Russia, Singapore, Spain and South Africa. It will soon launch in China.
Manufactured by Choc-o-Bloc in Northern Ireland, Magic Choc is distributed by The In Thing.
"It's a big step for Magic Choc and fantastic to see the product being highlighted for its innovation, especially alongside some really strong competition," said The In Thing's head of marketing Kieran Murphy.
"The year ahead will see Magic Choc take the leap into building an international presence as we seek the partnership of distributors across the globe."
Choc-o-Bloc MD and Magic Choc inventor Stephen Lennie added: "It was brilliant news in itself when we heard we had been shortlisted for our category, but to win on the night was brilliant for everyone involved with Magic Choc."
