Whittaker's facts for kids
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Trade name
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Whittaker's |
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| Private limited liability company | |
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1896 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Founder | J. H. Whittaker |
| Headquarters |
Porirua, New Zealand
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| Owner | Whittaker family |
J.H. Whittaker & Sons, Ltd, known by most people as Whittaker's, is a famous confectionery (candy) maker from New Zealand. The company is based in Porirua and is well-known for making delicious chocolate that is free from palm oil.
Whittaker's is the biggest and most loved chocolate brand in New Zealand. The company is proud to be a "bean-to-bar" chocolate maker. This means they control the entire chocolate-making process, from roasting the cocoa beans to wrapping the final chocolate bar. This helps them make sure their chocolate is high quality.
The business was started way back in 1896 in Christchurch by James Henry Whittaker. It later moved to Wellington and is now run by his family. Today, about 30% of their chocolate is sold in other countries around the world.
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The History of Whittaker's
The story of Whittaker's began with its founder, James Henry Whittaker (1868–1947). He learned how to make candy in England when he was just 14 years old. In 1890, he moved to New Zealand.
At first, James worked for the chocolate company Cadbury. But in 1896, he decided to start his own business. He made his own chocolates and sold them directly to people from a horse and van. Imagine getting your chocolate delivered by a horse!
In 1913, his sons joined the business, and it continued to grow. By 1969, the company needed more space, so it moved from the city of Wellington to a new, larger factory in Porirua. The Whittaker family still owns and runs the company today.
Famous Chocolate Creations
Over the years, Whittaker's has created many famous treats.
- The Peanut Slab was invented in the 1950s and is still one of their most popular bars.
- In the 1970s and 80s, they made other favorites like Santé Bars and K-Bars.
- In the 1990s, they started making the large chocolate blocks that many people know and love today.
Making Chocolate the Right Way
Whittaker's cares a lot about where its ingredients come from. They want to make "good honest chocolate."
In 2014, the company started a program in Samoa to help local farmers grow better cocoa beans. They also work with farmers in other countries like Nicaragua.
In 2020, Whittaker's announced that the cocoa beans they get from Ghana are now certified by the Rainforest Alliance. This certification means the beans are grown in a way that is better for the environment and for the farmers. The company also works hard to make sure other ingredients, like sugar, are sourced responsibly.
A Trusted Brand in New Zealand
For many years, New Zealanders have said Whittaker's is their most trusted brand. From 2012 to 2023, it won this top award every single year!
Why do people trust Whittaker's so much? Experts say it's because the company listens to its customers and is honest about its products. For example, if they have to change a price, they explain why. This honesty has helped them build a strong connection with chocolate lovers.
Besides being the most trusted brand, Whittaker's has won other awards for being a great business and for selling its products around the world.
Fun Facts and Special Chocolates
Whittaker's is known for its creative ideas and special-edition chocolates.
- Chocolate Kiwi: For Easter, Whittaker's created a hollow chocolate kiwi bird. For each one sold, the company donated money to help protect New Zealand's native kiwi birds.
- Māori Language Week: To celebrate Māori Language Week, Whittaker's released its Creamy Milk chocolate with the name written in te reo Māori: 'Miraka Kirīmi'. This was very popular and showed the company's support for New Zealand's culture.
- The 'Ed Block': When singer Ed Sheeran visited New Zealand in 2023, he said he loved Whittaker's chocolate. The company surprised him by creating a special chocolate block with his face on it, called the 'Ed Block'. They later worked with him to raise money for people affected by floods in Auckland.
- Famous Adverts: Whittaker's has had some cool TV ads. One featured the celebrity chef Nigella Lawson at the historic Wellington railway station. Another starred actor Karl Urban as a time-traveling James Whittaker.
In March 2024, the company announced it would stop making Toffee Milks, a classic bar that many people remembered from the past.
See also
