My dream for a long time was to drink a cup of pure melted chocolate, scooped from a melted chocolate lake, just like in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. While I now believe it would be choco-overload, even for a chocoholic like me, the smell of melting chocolate still takes me to my happy place.
No better place in Radelaide for a chocolate factory experience than Haigh's on Greenhill Rd.
Even if you haven't pre-planned (like me!) and aren't booked into their free factory tour, the source of all Haigh's premium chocolate visitor's centre is well worth a visit, after all, at 150 square metres it is probably Australia's largest chocolate shop.
Before you even reach the front doors the aroma of melted chocolate will draw you in, and if you are lucky the vintage Haigh's truck will be parked out the front.
Once inside there is a dazzling array of boxed and loose chocolates, information signage, the factory and helpful staff.
Haigh's have been supporting conservation of the Australian native bilby by donating the a portion of the proceeds of sale to Foundation for Rabbit Free Australia. Haigh's also support the pandas through donating proceeds of sales to the Adelaide Zoo, and the Murray Cod, donating a portion of the proceeds of sale to Waterfind Environment Fund that works on improving the health of the Murray river systems.
Proudly displayed is their commitment to environmental management, which includes packaging recyclability, energy and water efficiency. Ethical sourcing is also taken seriously, through membership of the Australian Industry Group and World Cocoa Foundation that improves the lives of West Africa cocoa farmers. Due to a loophole (in my mind a gaping, mistaken hole) Haigh's are ineligible for Fair Trade certification - because they use some Australian ingredients. In my mind, using local ingredients is a great thing!
Haigh's have a fine array of chocolates made from native Australian ingredients such as the Dark Lemon Myrtle Cream, Dark Quondong, and Milk Wild Lime Jelly. They are available as loose chocolates & in an Australian Selection box with all the above varieties for $36.95.
The Dark Strawberry & Pepperberry Ganache is sweet with a hint of green heat from the Tasmanian native pepperberry and is an Australian great chocolate.
It is always worth seeking out the Seconds & Experimental area (on my visit to the right of the loose chocolate counter) where you may find a one-off bargain like the fruity white chocolate slab I saw.
Upon checking out, the staff will offer to gift wrap your purchase - they even include gift tags - and also a delicious sample, on our visit of the sublimely balanced brandy Christmas pudding. read more