The History and Handmade Chocolates of Haighs
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 07/03/2017
Reading time: 2 mins
Haighs Chocolates boasts the title of Australia’s oldest family-run chocolate maker.
The company began in Adelaide back in the early 1900s and remains one of the country’s best-loved chocolatiers. Today, visitors can learn all about the chocolate-making process at the stores and pick up delicious treats along the way.
History of Haigh’s Chocolate
Haighs’ was started by Alfred E Haigh on May 1st 1915. The first store was on King William Street in Adelaide. Alfred’s experimental chocolate-making technique was soon the talk of the town. He shot to fame when he released his chocolate-covered fruit centres – a treat that you can still buy at Haighs’ today.
In 1917, business was absolutely booming, and Alfred realised he needed a bigger location. He went on to buy the family home and a spot of land at Parkside, South Australia. This is now where the Visitor’s Centre is, but it was once a small factory. Five years later, in 1922, he relocated to Beehive Corner, which remains the Adelaide flagship store to this very day.
Haigh’s Today
Today, Haigh’s boasts 15 stores across Australia, including six in its hometown of Adelaide and six more in Melbourne.
Just outside of Adelaide, you can head to the Visitor’s Centre at Parkside, where you can learn more about the Haigh’s chocolate-making process. While on a fascinating tour, you can discover more about Alfred’s motivations for starting the chocolate shop and pick up some of the unique techniques that made him a big name in Australia.
While wandering around, you can tuck into some of Haighs’ favourite chocolates and grab a complimentary tea or coffee along the way. The family-run vibe of the factory and stores makes it incredibly welcoming. A visit to the store is definitely a favourite activity for people in Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney.
The Chocolates at Haigh’s
Haighs continue to use unique cooking processes to make their chocolates distinctive. They combine artisan chocolatier skills with the latest manufacturing technology to create different flavours. Most of Haigh’s chocolates are hand-finished, giving them that extra-special artisan touch.
Every year, the chocolatiers at Haigh’s continue to cook up new, delicious recipes. All while fine-tuning some old favourites. This means there is a constant collection of diverse flavours to try and buy. In fact, over 250 varieties, including hand-dipped truffles and quirkier offerings like chocolate frogs.