After its sell-out debut in 2021, Chocstock is returning to Wellington. This year, the chocolate festival will bring together more than 25 New Zealand, Australian and Pacific makers to celebrate bean-to-bar chocolate.
The weekend-long ‘chocolate festival for grown-ups’ promises a delicious adventure to delight all the senses. Visitors can meet the makers of their favourites and participate in special events, including an ‘Ultimate Brownie Bake Off’ sponsored by Wellington Airport.
There will also be beer and chocolate pairing sessions with Double Vision Brewing and coffee and chocolate Pairing sessions with Coffee Supreme.
“Three years ago, there were around ten local makers in New Zealand, and now there are almost 30. People can’t get enough of craft chocolate; it’s incredible to watch,” said Chocstock founders Matt Williams and Luke Owen Smith.
New Zealand’s craft chocolate scene has incredible origin stories. Makers bring something new, allowing people to understand where their chocolate comes from.
Many local craft makers are now sourcing their beans from Pacific growers, helping support a thriving ecosystem across the region.
“We’re excited to have the team from Gaston Chocolat at Chocstock. They work with Vanuatu farmers to help sell their cocoa, ensuring they are paid well above market rates and can implement sustainable farming practices to sustain their farms for generations.”
While Wellington is known for its beer and coffee, it can also be considered the home of Kiwi craft chocolate. Whether new, seasoned pro or simply curious, Chocstock has something for everyone.
“As someone who can remember Woodstock and how that changed perceptions, getting to be part of Chocstock and helping tell this story drew me in straight away,” said self-professed chocolate lover, legendary chef and 2024 Chocstock ambassador Peter Gordon.
Chocstock will run from the 21st to the 23rd of June 2024 at Wellington’s Harbourside Centre.
More chocolate? Read about Kitkat’s new launch here.
