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Go to the shopOur Story...
The Canny Chocolate Company!
Our story began in 2017, when we met while both working on cruise ships — Adam as a pianist and entertainer, and Kevin in shore excursions.
Our shared love of travel, hospitality and food eventually brought us back to the North East, where The Canny Chocolate Company was founded from an idea during the pandemic of 2020 in our garden.
Since then, we’ve built our expertise through years of hands-on chocolate work, professional training with leading names including Valrhona, and a continued commitment to quality, flavour and guest experience.
In 2025, we were proud to be awarded Valrhona Cercle V status, and in 2026 our Chocolate Making Experiences were awarded Silver for Experience of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards.
Today, Canny is an experience-led chocolate brand, creating artisan chocolate, workshops, tastings, private events and live demonstrations from our South Shields studio and further afield — including at sea.
Kevin Reay
Kevin Reay is the creative and technical force behind much of the chocolate at The Canny Chocolate Company.
As Co-Founder, Kevin brings a meticulous approach to flavour, technique and craftsmanship, with a particular talent for developing chocolates that are distinctive, balanced and beautifully made.
His knowledge has been shaped through years of hands-on experience and professional training with some of the industry’s most respected names. Kevin also continues to work within the cruise industry, bringing together his love of travel, hospitality and guest experience with the creative work he leads at Canny.
Creative, precise and never afraid to experiment, Kevin continues to drive the product development and chocolate craft at the heart of the business.
Adam Allinson
Adam Allinson brings together chocolate expertise with a background in performance, hospitality and live entertainment.
As Co-Founder and Lead Tutor at The Canny Chocolate Company, Adam develops and delivers workshops, tastings, demonstrations and chocolate experiences both in the South Shields studio and further afield — including onboard cruise ships.
Known for his warm, lively and naturally entertaining style, Adam loves making chocolate feel fun, approachable and just a little bit theatrical. With a background as a professional pianist and entertainer, he brings plenty of personality, humour and energy to every experience — whether he’s leading a workshop, hosting a tasting or talking to a room full of guests.
