Our Story
Chocolate is a family passion and ours has been crafted by us Whittaker's right from the start. Trace our story from humble beginnings to world class chocolate producer.
J.H. Whittaker born
Macclesfield, EnglandThe Whittaker that began it all is born, and what a right stickler for quality he grew up to be.
J.H joins a cocoa department
Birmingham, EnglandHe starts work at a large confectioner, developing a passion for all things chocolate.
J.H moves to New Zealand
Christchurch, New ZealandHe sails 12,000 miles south and begins making chocolate out of his own home and selling it from the back of a horse and cart.
Whittaker’s company established
Christchurch, New ZealandArguably, the most important year of all!
Whittaker's moves to Wellington
Wellington, New ZealandJ.H moves the company to the capital. He's joined by his two sons, James and Ronald, and the company becomes J.H. Whittaker and Sons. That name still graces the factory today.
The war years
Through good times and bad, world wars and rationing, the company survived and the reputation for quality grew.
J.H. Whittaker passes away
Wellington, New ZealandThe sons and daughters of J.H. Whittaker step in to carry on the family passion.
Peanut slab
Wellington, New Zealand
Maurice Whittaker creates the original Peanut Slab. The recipe has never changed.
From our showreel:
Factory moves to Porirua
Porirua, New ZealandMore space is needed, so our factory moves just outside of Wellington city. To this day, Porirua remains the heart and home of Whittaker’s.
Andrew & Brian take over
Porirua, New ZealandMaurice’s sons, the 3rd generation of Whittakers, continue the legacy, looking after every step of the process, from sourcing to roasting, blending and making.
Classic blocks
Our first 250g classic blocks are released and quickly become a New Zealand favourite.
Kia Ora Holly & Matt
Andrew’s children, the 4th generation of Whittakers, join the family business.
Swiss 5 Roll Refiner arrives
Innovation continues with industry-leading machinery, making your favourite Creamy Milk chocolate even creamier and smoother.
- 2 0 1 3L&P
Creative collaborations
Ongoing
We're still having fun with chocolate. From L&P, Jelly Tip to the All Blacks, there have been many
legendary collaborations.
From our showreel:
Partnership with Save the Kiwi
Ongoing
We partner with ‘Save the Kiwi’, formerly ‘Kiwis for kiwi’, a charity committed to growing the population
of our iconic native bird.
From our showreel:
Choosing renewable energy
Meridian Energy powers our factory. Their power is generated from 100% renewable energy sources like wind, sun and water.
Our first chocolate shop
Auckland, New Zealand
Our Auckland Airport store is now open. Delight your family and friends all over the world and pick up some
Whittaker’s treats before you hop on the plane.
Passing through Christchurch? We’ve just opened one there too! Take a look in the international terminal.
“New Zealand’s Most Loved Brand” 8 years running
2013-2019Doing J.H's vision proud! We're honoured to have been voted Colmar Brunton's "New Zealand's Most Loved Brand" 8 times in a row.
“New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand” 13 years in a row!
2012-2024Thanks to our Chocolate Lovers for voting us your Most Trusted Brand for the 13th year in a row! And while we always try to be generous – when it comes to your trust, we think we'd like to keep that.
What's next?
We're always up to something new! If you'd like to be the first to know, become a Chocolate Lover.
“I’m no fortune teller, but it’s a safe bet us Whittaker’s will always be sticklers for quality.”
J.H. Whittaker