PM visits Whittaker's to view $10m investment in new plant

Prime Minister John Key with Whittaker's Export Manager Matt Whittaker beside the 5-Roll Refiner in action.

WHITTAKER’S MEDIA RELEASE

Prime Minister visits Whittaker's to view its $10m investment in new plant

Prime Minister John Key, and National’s local list MP Hon Hekia Parata, today visited the Whittaker’s chocolate factory to see the new Swiss-made 5-Roll Refiner, the company's single biggest ever investment in a new plant.

Recently voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand, Whittaker's has from its beginnings been committed to producing only chocolate of the highest quality. This $10m investment, in the latest 5-Roll Refiner technology, is part of that tradition and enables Whittaker's to produce world-class chocolate in a competitive global market.

The significant investment in a new plant also reflects the family-owned company’s growth over more than 115 years since its foundation, its confidence in the future, and its ongoing commitment to New Zealand.

Prime Minister John Key tasting 5-Roll Refined Fairtrade Creamy Milk Chocolate

Whittaker’s Export Manager Matt Whittaker said the company was delighted to host Mr Key and Ms Parata and discuss the company’s growth, which has seen Whittaker’s workforce increase by more than 60 percent in the last five years.

“While we have expanded significantly, we have always been New Zealand-based because we love this country, and we’re proud to be one of the largest employers in the region and an exporter of quality New Zealand produce.

“All our chocolate is produced here, and Whittaker's is the only major chocolate manufacturer in New Zealand that controls the whole manufacturing process – from bean to bar,” Mr Whittaker said.

Whittaker’s 5-Roll Refined Fairtrade Creamy Milk chocolate is available in 250g blocks at the same price as the rest of the Whittaker’s range. It was recently promoted by Nigella Lawson in a Whittaker’s advertisement.

ENDS

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