Australian Chocolate: The Finest Local Brands

what chocolate is made in australia

Australia is home to a vibrant craft chocolate scene, with several Australian chocolate makers achieving international acclaim and winning awards on the world stage. The country boasts a variety of chocolate brands, from classic Aussie names like Cadbury, Nestle, and Darrell Lea to smaller boutique confectioners and bean-to-bar producers. Some of the famous Australian chocolate brands include Jasper + Myrtle, Koko Black, and Haighs, known for their high-quality offerings and unique flavours.

Characteristics Values
Number of Australian companies making their own chocolate in 2016 12
Name of some Australian chocolate makers Loving Earth, Jasper + Myrtle, Koko Black, Haighs, Cadbury, Chocolatier Australia
Location of Haighs stores Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra
Year Haighs was founded 1915
Source of cocoa beans for Daintree Estates Daintree region of tropical Far North Queensland
Type of chocolate made by Loving Earth Made from unroasted cacao beans

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Australian-owned chocolate brands

Australia is home to many chocolate brands, some of which are famous overseas but relatively unknown within the country. These Australian-owned chocolate brands include both small-scale "bean-to-bar" producers and larger companies with a range of products.

One notable Australian-owned chocolate brand is Haigh's, founded by Alfred E. Haigh in 1915. The company has been crafting chocolate from scratch for over a century using raw UTZ-certified cocoa beans. With stores in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, Haigh's has become an iconic Australian chocolate brand.

Another Australian-owned brand, Daintree Estates, sources its cocoa beans from the tropical Far North Queensland region and is the first commercial brand to produce chocolate of Australian origin. Daintree Estates enlists local farmers and uses local dairy and sugar to create its chocolate.

Jasper and Myrtle is a small chocolate maker based in Canberra that sources its beans ethically from Peru and Papua New Guinea. Their chocolate is crafted with skill and precision, earning them a spot among Australia's best chocolate brands.

Winnow Chocolates is another Australian-owned brand that stands out for its eye-catching colours and impressive flavours. They use organic, fair-trade couverture chocolate and traditional French hand-tempering techniques to create a unique and delicious product.

Chocolatier Australia, a 100% Australian-owned business, offers affordable luxury chocolates crafted with fine ingredients. Their range includes chocolate bars, tablets, gift boxes, and loose chocolates, providing a gourmet experience for chocolate lovers.

These Australian-owned chocolate brands showcase the country's passion for creating high-quality, award-winning chocolates that are enjoyed both domestically and internationally.

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Australian chocolate makers

Australia has a vibrant craft chocolate scene, with chocolate-makers ranging from small, local producers to large, internationally recognised companies. In 2016, there were 12 Australian companies making their own chocolate, a number that has since grown to 38.

One of the most famous Australian chocolate brands is Chocolatier Australia, which offers a range of premium, fine chocolates from Melbourne. The brand is 100% Australian-owned and provides affordable luxury chocolate. Another famous Australian chocolate company is Haigh's, founded in 1915 and still making chocolate from scratch using raw UTZ-certified cocoa beans. The company launched the Easter Bilby in 1993, which has become an Australian Easter staple. Haigh's has stores in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Some other Australian chocolate brands include Winnow Chocolates, which uses organic, fair-trade couverture chocolate and employs the traditional French technique of hand-tempering on marble. Jasper and Myrtle is a small chocolate maker based in Canberra, using ethically sourced beans from Peru and Papua New Guinea. Koko Black is another Australian chocolate brand known for its high-quality selection of chocolate that focuses on design and flavour.

Daintree Estates is a native chocolate brand that is 100% owned and operated by Australians and sources its cocoa beans from the Daintree region of tropical Far North Queensland. The brand also uses local dairy and sugar, making it a truly Australian product. Cadbury also has a strong presence in Australia, with its Dairy Milk blocks, Freddo, and Caramello Koalas being popular Australian favourites.

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Australian chocolate awards

Australia has a vibrant craft chocolate scene, with several Australian chocolate makers winning awards on the world stage. The Academy of Chocolate Awards and the International Chocolate Awards are two notable competitions where Australian chocolate makers have excelled.

In 2022, four Australian chocolate makers won Academy of Chocolate awards. Metiisto Artisan Chocolate was a standout, taking home six awards, including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes. Goodnow Farms Chocolate and Standout Chocolate also impressed, with 17 and 15 awards, respectively.

The International Chocolate Awards recognised Australian talent in 2020, with winners in the Bean-to-Bar and Chocolatier categories. Monsieur Truffe, a Silver winner, crafted a 28% White Chocolate with Native Peach that wowed judges.

While some chocolate makers actively seek awards, others choose to forgo the limelight. This doesn't diminish the quality of their creations, and it's worth sampling a variety of bars to discover personal favourites beyond award winners.

Australian chocolate brands like Jasper + Myrtle, Koko Black, and Haighs have gained recognition for their skill and precision. Haighs, an Australian institution since 1915, uses UTZ-certified cocoa beans and has become synonymous with Easter celebrations thanks to its iconic Easter bilby.

Daintree Estates, sourcing cocoa beans from Far North Queensland, is another notable brand. As the first commercial brand to produce chocolate of Australian origin, it embodies the essence of "made in Australia".

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Australian chocolate exports

Australia exported $253 million worth of chocolate in 2023, making it the 26th largest exporter of chocolate in the world. The main export destinations for Australian chocolate are New Zealand ($116 million), Japan ($35.5 million), Malaysia ($18.8 million), the Philippines ($15.2 million), and Thailand ($9.43 million). The fastest-growing export markets for Australian chocolate between 2022 and 2023 were New Zealand ($8.26 million), the United States ($2.77 million), and Thailand ($1.24 million).

The Australian chocolate industry includes both large companies and small, independent independent "bean-to-bar" producers. Some of the famous Australian chocolate brands include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Jasper + Myrtle, Koko Black, and Haighs. Daintree Estates is another notable Australian chocolate brand, as it is the first commercial brand to produce chocolate made from cocoa beans sourced from the Daintree region of tropical Far North Queensland.

Winnow Chocolates is another Australian brand known for its eye-catching colours and impressive flavours. They use the traditional French technique of hand-tempering on marble and combine premium couverture with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh cream, organic honey, fruit juices, nuts, fruits, and spices.

Some Australian chocolate makers have gained recognition on the world stage, winning awards such as the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London and the International Chocolate Awards. These awards showcase the quality and craftsmanship of Australian chocolate, which is made with skill and precision, often using ethically sourced and organic ingredients.

The Australian Food Shop and similar platforms make it easy for individuals and businesses to send Australian chocolate overseas, contributing to the growth of Australian chocolate exports. With a range of options available, including bars, blocks, bags, and multi-packs, Australian chocolate is not only enjoyed locally but is also reaching a global audience.

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Australian chocolate history

Chocolate has a long history in Australia, dating back to the late 18th century when it was introduced by European settlers. Initially, chocolate was considered a luxury item and was enjoyed primarily by the wealthy and privileged. However, this started to change in the 1800s when improved manufacturing and delivery methods, as well as expanded trade routes, made chocolate more accessible to the general population. Chocolate shops began to spring up in major cities, and the treat quickly became integrated into Australian culture.

One of the most significant moments in Australian chocolate history was the establishment of Cadbury in the late 1800s. The company set up a facility in Tasmania in 1922, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality chocolate and providing innovative manufacturing techniques that aided in the national expansion of the chocolate sector. Cadbury's presence in Australia also led to the creation of unique blends and flavours that catered to local tastes, such as Dairy Milk blocks, Freddo, and Caramello Koalas.

Another iconic Australian chocolate brand is Darrell Lea, established in 1927. The company is known for its wide range of chocolates, liquorice, and other sweets, and has been a favourite among Australians for generations. Other longstanding Australian chocolate manufacturers include Ernest Hillier, dating back to 1914, and Fardoulis Chocolates, a family-owned business established in the 1940s.

In addition to these larger companies, Australia is also home to many boutique chocolatiers and small chocolate makers who are committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and experimentation with indigenous ingredients. Haigh's Chocolates, established in Adelaide in 1915, is one of the country's oldest and most renowned chocolatiers, known for their artisanal chocolates and commitment to quality. Jasper and Myrtle, a small chocolate maker based in Canberra, sources beans from Peru and Papua New Guinea, while Loving Earth makes chocolate from unroasted cacao beans with a strict bean sanitation protocol.

Today, the chocolate market in Australia is flourishing, with a wide range of products catering to all tastes and preferences. The country's chocolate history is a testament to the enduring popularity of chocolate in Australia and the inventiveness of its chocolatiers, who have created a distinctly Australian approach to chocolate-making that appeals to locals and international visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions

Some Australian-owned chocolate brands include Chocolatier Australia, Loving Earth, Daintree Estates, and Haighs.

Some popular Australian chocolate brands include Cadbury, Koko Black, Jasper + Myrtle, and Darrell Lea.

Some Australian chocolate bars include Boost, Chockito, Cherry Ripe, Violet Crumble, and Kit Kat.

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