Whittaker's
Private limited liability company | |
Industry | Chocolatier |
Founded | Christchurch, 1896 |
Founder | J.H. Whittaker |
Headquarters | Porirua, New Zealand |
Website |
www |
J.H. Whittaker & Sons, Ltd (Whittaker's) is a confectionery manufacturer specialising in chocolate and based in Porirua, New Zealand. Whittaker's is the second-biggest chocolate brand in New Zealand, behind Cadbury.[1] The company controls its entire manufacturing process, calling itself a "bean-to-bar" manufacturer, to ensure top-quality products.[1] James Henry Whittaker started the business in Christchurch in 1896 [1] and it was later moved to Wellington.
History
James Henry Whittaker worked in the British confectionery industry at the age of 14 and moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1890. Six years later he started manufacturing chocolate confectionery, selling it directly to customers using horse and van.[2] In 1913, he established a partnership with his two sons, Ronald and James, based in Wellington. The business became a limited liability company in 1937, with third-generation Whittakers still the sole shareholders in the company. In 1992 the company formed J.H. Whittaker Australia Ltd.[2]
The company supports motor and equestrian sports nationally in New Zealand.
The company's marketing phrases include "A passion for chocolate since 1896" and "Good honest chocolate". In 2011 it was listed as New Zealand's third most trusted brand by bradley colman survey.[3] They improved their standing to 1st in the 2012 edition.
In May 2014 celebrity chef Nigella Lawson filmed a commercial for Whittaker's in the 1930s Wellington Railway Station.[4][5]
In June 2014, Whittaker's expand its market to Malaysia and will be available widely in the country.[6]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 Adams, Christopher (6 November 2010). "Tough task wooing the tastebuds". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
- 1 2 "History". J.H. Whittaker & Sons, Ltd.
- ↑ Hannan, Hayley (25 July 2011). "Cadbury falls from grace in most-trusted survey". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ↑ "Lawson filming at Wellington station". Stuff/Fairfax. 6 May 2014.
- ↑ "Nigella Lawson causes a stir in Wellington". New Zealand Herald. 6 May 2014.
- ↑ "Whittaker's Chocolate expands into Malaysia". Whittakers. Scoop. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.