Dom catches up with Tori Connell from House of Chocolate, a New Zealand-based family business, established in 1999, renowned for its handcrafted chocolates that incorporate premium local and ethical ingredients. With Mother's Day approaching, Tori discusses the company's festive and innovative packaging, which makes their chocolate creations unique and ideal for gifting.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the chocolate business, Tori shares her unique childhood experiences. She is looking to transition further into the business as she handles sales, corporate and custom work, whilst also overseeing the wholesale aspect of the business.
An essential aspect of House of Chocolate's charm is its creative packaging, which Tori proudly attributes to their in-house capabilities, including her sister-in-law's graphic design skills. "The packaging has always been something really important," Tori explains, highlighting the company's commitment to capturing the playful essence of their brand.
When it comes to ingredients, Tori underscores the brand's dedication to quality and local sourcing. She mentions using "hazelnuts from a small nut branch in Marlborough" and "local honey from Christchurch," alongside "the best ingredients from across the world," such as cocoa from West Africa. This selection process ensures that each chocolate is not only an edible masterpiece but also a celebration of New Zealand's finest produce.
Their signature bonbons, which Tori reveals are "all hand-painted with coloured cocoa butters," are particularly noteworthy. She describes them as almost " works of art," filled with a variety of mousses, caramels, and pralines made in-house. Among the array of flavours, the "jelly tip bonbon" stands out as a crowd-pleaser, boasting a "raspberry jelly and a vanilla bean custard" combination that has become a fan favourite.
Listen to the full chat between Tori Connell and Dominic George above.
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