Newfoundland Chocolate Company takes top business awards

The Newfoundland Chocolate Company hit the sweet spot at the St. John's Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday.

The St. John's-based company came away with the top prize: the Business Excellence Award, which recognizes innovation, creativity, sales growth and "the passion for success."

The Newfoundland Chocolate Company also took home the award for leader in growth and sales and the award for innovative solutions.

"In seven years, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company has grown from a basement chocolate-making operation into a serious business," said the St. John's Board of Trade in a statement.

In the past year, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company added a second store in St. John's, a store in Dartmouth, and a cafe on Signal Hill.

The annual awards, now in their 23rd year, recognize entrepreneurs and business leaders in St. John's private sector.

Don-E Coady was recognized for his work with DC Design House with the award for Community Builder Volunteer of the Year.

The St. John's International Airport won the award for marketing and promotional achievement, while Oceanex Inc. won the award for customer service and reliability.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union won the workplace excellence award and Seafair Capital won the award for entrepreneurial spirit.

Community Impact awards went to Verafin Inc., for companies with more than 20 employees, and DC Design House Inc., for companies with less than 20 employees.