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Put away that store-bought chocolate block now and treat yourself to locally produced artisanal sweet treats instead. Here are six Victorian producers of chocolate that you need to know about because now more than ever we should all be supporting local businesses and these boutique makers are producing quality chocolate that will make you turn your back on those big brands.
Platypi Chocolate
Great Ocean Road #twohoursout
Platypi Chocolate came to life after the founders Mandy & Michael were inspired by a small artisan chocolate maker while taking a holiday in W.A, 30 years ago. Based in Forrest in the Otway Ranges, their chocolate factory and cafe has become a central part of the local community and in usual times is a popular tourist destination.
All their small-batch chocolate is hand-made onsite from coverture chocolate and natural products.
Buy from OHO Markets or direct from Platypi
Atelier Chocolat home of Pain et Chocolat
Trentham #oneandahalfhoursout
Atelier Chocolat started production three years ago and is a central part of the community in Trentham.
Their bars are made with Felchlin boutique couverture chocolate, manufactured in Switzerland and they also produce small batches of chocolate made from scratch with organic beans from Panama or Peru to give you high percentage bean to bar.
When you can get out and about again, a visit to their shop is a worthwhile adventure but in the meantime, you can shop online.
Head here to choose your favourite
Only Mine
Olinda #onehourout
Jason & Anya started out from their home kitchen and sold their first chocolates in 2016. Now they operate from a boutique factory in Olinda where you can usually watch the action happening in the factory from their store and dessert cafe.
Their handcrafted chocolates are produced with flavour in mind, they pick the best ingredients and let the taste do the talking.
Cabosse & Feve Chocolates
Castlemaine #oneandahalfhoursout
Husband and wife team Thomas and Freya handcraft their products using carefully selected quality ingredients from around the world. They ensure they deal with farmers who receive more than the average Fair Trade wage in the market and are passionate about environmentally friendly packaging.
They offer an extensive range of chocolate treats and also have a vegan range with fourteen products.
Indulge Chocolates
Bendigo #twohoursout
Hayley and her team started out in 2008 opening the Indulge Cafe, in Bendigo. With the business growing The Indulge Chocolate Lab was opened in September 2015. They specialise in moulded chocolates and chocolate bars, made with Belgian Callebaut chocolate, sourced ethically from around the globe.
With 30+ varieties to choose from and some amazing gift boxes you won’t leave their online store without a purchase.
Echuca Chocolate Company
Echuca #threehoursout
Echuca Chocolate Company produces hand-made chocolates, truffles and a range of chocolate liqueurs. Everything is made on-site with speciality ingredients to craft a unique and flavoursome product range.
For now it’s online only, add their chocolate store to your road trip list once restrictions are eased.
