THE fast-growing luxury hot chocolate maker Knoops has made its debut on the island of Ireland with a new store at Belfast’s Victoria Square.
The new unit opened on the lower level of the city centre retail complex just before Christmas.
Knoops (pronounced ‘kuh-noops’) specialise in a range of barista-prepared hot chocolate, chocolate milkshakes and iced chocolate from a menu of over 20 different strengths and styles of chocolate.
Founded by German Jens Knoop in 2013, the chain now has 24 stores.
The new Belfast outlet is Knoops first outside Britain.
The drinks business has significantly ramped up its growth plans after raising £8.3 million from a November 2023 funding round.
The hot chocolate specialist’s Irish debut comes as US doughnut chain Krispy Kreme prepares to makes its Northern Ireland debut at Victoria Square in early 2025.
The American brand is due to open its first northern outlet in a former jewellery unit at the retail hub, close to The Kitchen bar and restaurant.
