Schoc Chocolates owner Murray Langham. PHOTO/FILE
SOUMYA BHAMIDIPATI
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A Greytown business has had a sweet win in a nationwide chocolate competition.
Schoc Chocolates was awarded Coast Chocolate Lovers’ Favourite Artisan Chocolate Company at the 2021 New Zealand Chocolate Awards, after voting closed at the end of September.
Owner Murray Langham said he was excited to have been voted the Chocolate Lovers’ Choice.
“Being named New Zealand’s Favourite Artisan Chocolate Company is a great thrill. We’d like to thank our dedicated fans for voting for us. We’re a small team who love what we do and the joy it brings to so many.”
Awards director Kathie Bartley said the vote’s timing coincided with New Zealand being in lockdown, though this was not planned.
“Ironically, that made it an ideal time for people to show their appreciation of their favourite local chocolate company. We know lots of people throughout Aotearoa turned to a little piece of chocolate to help them through lockdown, so now they can say thanks to the chocolate makers.”
Established in Greytown in 2002, Schoc Chocolates received five medals during the last awards, held in 2020.
Its lavender-salted caramel, fennel, and curry and pappadum were each awarded a gold medal, while its passionfruit and coconut and Easter chocolates were both awarded silver.
The company used sustainably sourced cacao beans and organic flavourings, locally sourced where possible, in its handmade chocolates. It did not use preservatives and only added sugar to its caramels.
Held biannually, the next New Zealand Chocolate Awards were scheduled for August 2022.
