Chocolate makers
Whittakers have been making chocolate in New Zealand since 1896.
Company Assessment
(Last updated May 2026)
Praise
Criticism
Information
J.H. Whittaker & Sons, Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
49% in Chocolate scorecard
Be Slavery Free's 2026 Chocolate Scorecard ranks companies based on traceability and transparency across supply chains, whether they pay farmers a living income, efforts to prevent the use of child labour, action on climate and deforestation, how they support agroforestry, eliminating the use of harmful pesticides, and gender equality. This company received a score of 49%, giving it a orange rating: "Needs significantly more work on policy and implementation".
Source: Be Slavery Free
(2026)
Palm oil free products
Some, but not necessarily all, of this company's chocolate products are palm oil free. For more details, follow the link to see Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia's list of products which manufacturers have told them are palm oil free or contain segregated certified sustainable palm oil.
Source: BOS Australia
(2020)
Fairtrade products
This company sells Fairtrade Certified chocolate. However this only represents a fraction of their total chocolate sales.
Source: Fairtrade ANZ
(2019)
Cocoa & Forests Initiative signatory
This company is a member of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, demonstrating a commitment to no further conversion of any forest land for cocoa production in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. On March 2019, thirty-three company signatories, accounting for about 85% of global cocoa usage, released detailed individual action plans. The action plans focus on forest protection and restoration, sustainable cocoa production and farmers' livelihoods, and community engagement and social inclusion.
Source: World Cocoa Foundation
(2020)
World Cocoa Foundation member
This company is a member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), an international membership organization representing more than 100 member companies across the cocoa value chain. WCF is committed to creating a sustainable cocoa economy through economic & social development and environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities.
Source: World Cocoa Foundation
(2024)
Company Details
Type:
Family-owned private company
Founded:
1896