Whittaker's chocolate

Whittaker's is a prestigious chocolate manufacturer that prides itself on being a 'beans-to-bar' producer, overseeing every step of the manufacturing process from their single factory located in Porirua, New Zealand. Founded in 1896 by James Henry Whittaker, the company has grown from a door-to-door sales operation into one of New Zealand's most iconic and trusted brands. Their manufacturing process is distinct because they roast their own cocoa beans, ensuring high quality and a unique flavor profile that distinguishes them from competitors who may use pre-processed cocoa mass.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are central to the brand's identity. Whittaker's uses 100% traceable cocoa beans from Ghana and specialty beans from Samoa. The company is famous for being palm oil-free and utilizing local New Zealand ingredients, such as milk from the Waikato region and Nelson boysenberries, for their flavor inclusions. Ownership has remained strictly within the founding family for over a century, which has allowed the brand to maintain its focus on quality over mass-market cost-cutting measures.

Today, the brand is managed by the third and fourth generations of the Whittaker family. While they export to several international markets including Australia, Canada, and parts of Asia, every block of chocolate continues to be made at their original New Zealand facility to maintain strict quality control. The company's commitment to ethical practices is further reinforced through partnerships with the Rainforest Alliance.