The world of South Australian sweets has expanded significantly as Haigh’s Chocolates, Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, officially opened its new $120 million production, warehouse, and online fulfillment facility in Salisbury South. This state-of-the-art 18,000m² complex is set to meet rising demand and support Haigh’s ambitions for national expansion.
Currently, Haigh’s produces 1,100 tonnes of chocolate annually across its 22 retail and online stores. With the new facility, production is expected to increase to an impressive 2,000 tonnes per year, catering to chocolate lovers around Adelaide and beyond. The facility is adorned with whimsical features, including giant golden chocolate frogs and rainbow freckles, adding a touch of magic to the chocolate-making process.
Expansion and Innovation
CEO Peter Millard expressed the significance of the new development, stating, “The Salisbury South Complex is a significant physical manifestation of a company-wide investment in people, systems, and capabilities over the last four years. Today’s opening recognizes the completion of our chocolate capacity building phase, the continuing growth of our retail network in the eastern states, and the meeting of increasing demand for our chocolate.”
The timing of this expansion is particularly noteworthy, as Haigh’s recently celebrated its 110th anniversary, opened its seventh Sydney store, and welcomed a new CEO. Despite these changes, the company remains committed to the family-owned ethos that has defined the brand since 1915.
Commitment to Sustainability and Job Creation
The new Salisbury South facility is not only a testament to Haigh’s growth but also to its commitment to sustainability. The complex is powered by 1,180 solar panels and features 1.7km of chocolate delivery pipes and over 5km of linear storage. It will accommodate up to 400 employees, creating around 100 new jobs over the next five years.
A $30 million investment in advanced equipment has introduced specialised panning, enrobing, and moulding lines, as well as kitchen and packing equipment, perfectly suited to Haigh’s artisan chocolate-making expertise. This investment underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining its high standards of craftsmanship while embracing modern technology.
Heritage Meets Modernity
Haigh’s remains steadfast in its ‘bean to bar’ philosophy, sourcing ethically grown cocoa beans from around the world and blending them into exquisite milk and dark chocolate creations. These meticulous artisan techniques ensure that every piece not only tastes exceptional but also looks like a work of art.
“In the last five months alone, we celebrated our 110-year anniversary, opened our seventh store in Sydney and appointed a new CEO. It’s been an exciting time for the business and I am so proud to see the love for our chocolates continue to span all generations,” said Owner and Brand Ambassador Alister Haigh.
This combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge production is what makes Haigh’s Chocolates’ new facility a perfect addition to the business and South Australia’s chocolate scene for years to come.
As Haigh’s Chocolates continues to innovate and expand, the company’s commitment to quality and tradition remains at the forefront, promising a sweet future for chocolate enthusiasts across the nation.
