Spilling the Beans – Chocolate in Otago

Did you know that the University Book Shop was once a place for the creation of chocolate in Dunedin. It may well have been the first commercial chocolate making premises in Otago. The Friends of the Hocken Collections public meeting on Wednesday 20th of November will be in for a visual and verbal treat and the Friends wish to share it with anyone who would like to come along.

It is the last meeting of this year and begins with the AGM. After the business is done, the programme of speakers will share the history of chocolate making in Otago.

Paul Hudson, former managing director of Cadbury’s, with his inside knowledge, is providing Wallie Waudby information on the beginnings of the large commercial making of chocolate, including its heyday and its demise.

Barry Kelk’s recollection of some of the secrets of Cadbury’s posters and wrappers and the detailed work involved by Dunedin commercial photographer, the late Gary van der Mark, will be shared. The colour purple will be part of this as well as maybe some luscious cherries.

Finally, looking ahead – the growth of Ocho, Dunedin’s latest venture, a publicly owned chocolate company, that specialises in single origin chocolate. Founded by Liz Rowe in 2013 it is now under the direction of a local board chaired by Jim O’Malley. Jim will share the recent developments and future aspirations of this local company.