In the streets of Wellington's Porirua suburb lies an iconic piece of New Zealand's culinary heritage - the Whittaker's chocolate factory. Since 1896, when James Henry Whittaker first began crafting chocolate in Christchurch, the name Whittaker's has been synonymous with premium New Zealand confectionery.
The journey of Whittaker's began with J.H. Whittaker peddling chocolates from his horse and cart around Christchurch. After moving to Wellington in 1911, he established a small factory in Vivian Street. The business grew steadily, guided by his unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. In 1969, the company made a pivotal move to its current location in Porirua, where the familiar aroma of roasting cocoa beans still wafts through the neighborhood.
What sets Whittaker's apart is their bean-to-bar philosophy, a practice they've maintained since their inception. The factory imports cocoa beans from Ghana, Samoa, and other carefully selected locations, maintaining direct relationships with farmers to ensure both quality and ethical sourcing. This dedication to controlling the entire manufacturing process has earned them the trust of New Zealand consumers, who have voted Whittaker's the country's most trusted brand for thirteen consecutive years.
The Porirua factory, though modernised over the decades, retains elements of its original character. The facility produces over 75 different products, from their classic Sante Bar and Peanut Slab (in production since the 1950's) to innovative collaborations with local brands. The factory floor buzzes with activity as massive roasters turn cocoa beans into the signature Whittaker's chocolate, while state-of-the-art equipment molds and packages the finished products.
Family ownership has remained a cornerstone of Whittaker's success, with the fourth generation now at the helm. Andrew and Brian Whittaker, great-grandsons of the founder, maintain their ancestor's dedication to quality while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Under their leadership, the company has expanded internationally while remaining proudly New Zealand-made, refusing to outsource production despite growing global demand.
The factory's impact on Porirua extends beyond economics. It's become a local landmark, employing generations of local families and contributing significantly to the region's development. Though the factory isn't open for public tours, its presence is deeply woven into the community fabric, with many residents sharing stories of relatives who've worked within its walls.
The story of Whittaker's is intrinsically linked to New Zealand's culinary evolution. From humble beginnings to becoming the country's largest chocolate manufacturer, the company has maintained its position through two world wars, economic upheavals, and changing consumer tastes. The Porirua factory stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship and the power of staying true to one's principles.
Beyond the factory gates, Whittaker's continues to innovate while honoring its heritage. The facility now produces over 16,000 tonnes of chocolate annually, yet maintains the exacting standards set by J.H. Whittaker over a century ago. As New Zealand's chocolate industry evolves, the Whittaker's factory remains a symbol of national pride and manufacturing excellence, proving that world-class products can indeed emerge from a small island nation in the South Pacific.