In a remarkable turn of events, Maria Antoniou, a London Cypriot, has become a household name in Britain with her innovative culinary creation that has both shocked and delighted the nation. The Bar of Crisps, Antoniou’s brainchild, has sparked a frenzy across the UK, with many initially branding the idea as “disgusting” and an “abomination.” However, after trying the product, the public’s opinion has shifted dramatically, with even Dragon’s Den’s Peter Jones unable to resist the snack’s unique charm.
Antoniou, 48, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in her by her immigrant parents. Her father, who arrived in Britain at 16 and went on to own a successful barbershop, and her mother, a former Barclay’s employee turned art businesswoman, provided a strong example of what hard work and determination could achieve. This ethos has clearly influenced Antoniou, who after various jobs post-university, including stints as a copywriter and in publishing, found her true calling in the world of confectionery.
The economic crisis of 2013 was a catalyst for Antoniou’s venture into chocolate fame. Having returned to Britain after a five-year stint in Cyprus due to redundancy, she launched her company, Chocolate Moments, at London’s Cyprus Wine Festival. Initially focusing on products with a Cypriot twist like tahini brownies and triantafilo truffles, it wasn’t until the pandemic that the idea for the Bar of Crisps struck her.
Despite not securing investment from the Dragons on Dragon’s Den, the exposure led to an influx of emails from potential investors, stockists, and hundreds of orders the day after her episode aired. Since then, Antoniou has been tirelessly working to meet the demand for her product, redesigning packaging and sourcing a factory for production.
The Bar of Crisps combines crunchy crisps with rich Belgian chocolate in three flavors: Salt & Vinegar, Cheese & Onion, and Ready Salted. This fusion of salty and sweet has captured the hearts of many in the UK.
Maria Antoniou’s journey is far from over. As she continues to expand her business and explore new opportunities, she remains grounded in her heritage: “All I ever wanted to do was make something of my own, like my parents had before me.” Her success is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring influence of family and cultural roots.
For those eager to try this unique snack sensation, Bar of Crisps can be ordered from https://www.chocolate-moments.co.uk/, with plans underway to source stockists in Cyprus as well. Maria Antoniou’s story is not just about creating a successful product but also about honoring her Cypriot heritage and sharing it with the world.
