Chocolate makers
Whittakers have been making chocolate in New Zealand since 1896.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Apr 2025)
Praise
Criticism
Information
J.H. Whittaker & Sons, Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
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)
Chocolate scorecard
Be Slavery Free's 2025 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, and eliminating the use of harmful pesticides. This company received a score of 68%, giving it a yellow rating: "Starting to develop and implement good policies."
Source: Be Slavery Free
(2025)
Company Details
Type:
Family-owned private company
Founded:
1896