Burnt basque meets Japanese soufflé cheesecake – a match made in heaven. Coconut and Moo Moo produce some of the most delicious, unique cheesecakes in Dublin, and are the definition of decadence. Couple Summer and Simon set up Coconut and Moo Moo over lockdown, and can now be found at a range of markets and festivals across the city, as well as in a range of stockists. We had a chat with them about their journey starting the business, and what to expect from them at Taste of Dublin.
This producer spotlight is part of our series for the brands that will be highlighted at TheTaste.ie Producer’s Row with Taste of Dublin. These producers will be present during the festival, so make sure to come along and try them out. You can purchase tickets here, and learn more about the Producer’s Row here
Have you always had a great love of food?
Yes. Always. We love to say “Living is optional. Eating is not.”
Can you tell me about your own background in the food industry?
We used to run a poultry production line in SouthEast Asia for over 10 years. This is our new adventure on this side of the world.
What inspired you to set up your business? Did you notice a gap in the market?
During the lockdown, we did not have access to yummy desserts, so we had to make our own. We found most Irish desserts were too sweet for our tastes. There are only a few places we’d go back to.
How did you set up the business and how has it been growing over time?
We started online, baking out of our home oven during lockdown. Now we have a production kitchen and our ovens and team are getting bigger.
Is this your first time taking part in Taste of Dublin?
Second time. Last year was our first and we had to come back.
Do you have anything special planned for your stand at Taste of Dublin?
We’ll be giving out free samples of our cheesecakes for everyone to try. Also, we have a brand new flavour which is a lilac colour *wink wink*
Where do you source the ingredients used to make your product(s)?
Our trifecta is Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Fresh Irish Double Cream and Fresh Irish Eggs.
Can you tell me about some of the benefits associated with your product(s)?
Our cheesecakes are artisanal following homemade recipes. Our kitchen is gluten-free which means all our desserts are too. Our cheesecakes are vegetarian-friendly. We also have keto options that are sugar-free, diabetic-friendly and low-carb. But most importantly, not flavour-free. We use only the highest quality of ingredients in our desserts and proudly stand behind them.
How important has social media been for you in spreading the word?
Instagram is where it all started. It’s been a great place to connect, engage and grow with our customers @coconutandmoomoo
What makes your product unique?
We are the first to market with our style of cheesecake. Our cheesecakes have no biscuit-base and are inspired by the original Basque Burnt Cheesecake from San Sebastián but made with a Japanese technique.
Where can people get your product (shops, restaurants?)
A full list of stockists can be found here.
Can you tell me some of the chefs and restaurants using your produce?
Kwanghi is the first that comes to mind available at BITES by Kwanghi.
Also:
- Nan Chinese
- Day n Night
- Michie Sushi
- Yoi Izakaya
- The Greedy Eagle
What, do you think, are some of the most interesting dishes that have been created with your product? Do you have any favourites?
In the kitchen we started upcycling our surplus brownie batter by using it to make a brownie base and topped with cheesecake. The end result was a Brownie Burnt Cheesecake which is extraordinary.
Are there any other small Irish food producers you admire?
Who don’t we admire? We know exactly what it’s like to strive and stay afloat in today’s climate. You need grit. And we admire that.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced since going into business?
Keep the cost low. Keep quality high.
What do you feel is your biggest achievement to date with this business?
Having our cheesecakes be enjoyed by more than 1 celebrity is something cool to celebrate.
Could you ever have imagined doing anything else with your life?
Yes. So many things. But we’re choosing one thing to do at a time. We want to do it well and be proud of what we can achieve.
What does the future hold for your business?
Expansion. More space. More people. More products. More places.
Anything further to add?
We know many people are huge fans of what we do. We will do our best to keep the business alive and running.
Whether you want to learn chef skills from the best, shake your way through a cocktail masterclass, transport yourself to a tapas bar in sunny Spain or find a fellow food lover to feast with, there is plenty to see, do and devour at Taste of Dublin.
TheTaste.ie is now sponsoring the Producer’s Row at Taste of Dublin 2023. The producers featured this year are:
- Open Hive
- Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese
- Ellie’s Kitchen Home Edition
- Coconut & Moo Moo
- Stinky & Scorchy
- Nana’s Tea
- Dublin Hills Goats Cheese
- SuperOat
