Our Story
The Ministry of Chocolate
A family-owned and run business producing high quality chocolate made on-site.
We supply a number of businesses including luxury hotels, wineries, grocery as well as specialty chocolate and gifting stores.
From humble beginnings at Farmer's Markets across Melbourne, we found it increasingly difficult to produce at home with two young boys wanting to taste test EVERYTHING! So we took the leap and opened a large-scale kitchen.
"The bench, the temper, the finish — all of it is part of the product."
Drew & Karin
Drew's background as a pastry chef and chocolatier brings a wealth of production experience to the table. Combined with Karin's retail and hospitality experience, the Ministry of Chocolate understands what kind of products sell and how to make them efficiently with quality presentation.
The Ministry of Chocolate is committed to producing high quality chocolates using the finest couverture chocolate from around the globe, as well as fresh, local ingredients and innovative flavours. We create everything from delectable pralines and bars, to chocolate coated honeycomb, hot chocolate mix, chocolate stilettos, frogs and more!
What goes into every bar
Finest couverture
Sourced from around the globe, then tempered on site — never bought in as a finished slab.
Local ingredients
Freeze dried strawberries and apples from Mornington Peninsula, honey from our own on-site bee hives.
Supporting local
We are committed to supporting local industry. When you purchase from us, you are supporting local as well.
Innovative flavours
Over 15 varieties in the 100g bar range alone, from Honeycomb to Melbourne’s Hosier Lane.
Pralines to frogs
Pralines, bars, honeycomb, hot chocolate mix, chocolate stilettos, footballs, frogs and more.
Quality presentation
Drew's pastry chef eye and Karin's retail experience mean the product looks as good as it tastes.
Sustainability & Ethics
Responsibly sourced chocolate
Our chocolate is supplied by Barry Callebaut. They have great programs in place that supports third world growers by building schools and hospitals in country. We have had the privilege to visit these in person and have confidence in the programs and their longevity/sustainability.
We also use Australian grown chocolate which is to Australian standards and supports Australian growers and manufacturers.
Our commitments
- Murray River Salt Flakes, Almondco almonds, freeze dried strawberries from Mornington Peninsula
- Local cream and butter sourced from Australian dairies
- Honey harvested from our own on-site hives — the rest remains in the hive for our bees
- Residential neighbours enjoy bumper fruit and veggie crops as a side benefit
Packaging
Regarding our packaging, we continue to make changes in our range to move towards recyclable and biodegradable. Additionally, always aiming towards removing unnecessary 'excess' in packaging.
The process for changing over our entire range takes time and at this time it is a work in progress.
From markets to factory
Farmer's Markets
Drew and Karin started selling handmade chocolates at Farmer's Markets across Melbourne, producing from their home kitchen.
Two boys, one kitchen
With two young boys wanting to taste test everything, the home kitchen could no longer cope. Time to take the leap.
Large-scale production
Opened a purpose-built kitchen and factory. Drew's pastry chef background and Karin's retail experience came together at scale.
Supplying Australia
Luxury hotels, wineries, grocery, specialty stores, corporate gifting and international supply — all made on site in Melbourne.
Exacting delight
First priority
The quality of the product comes first. Finest couverture, fresh local ingredients, delivered on time and without defect.
Responsible sourcing
Barry Callebaut ethical programs, local ingredients wherever possible, and packaging moving towards recyclable.
Giving back
Veteran owned. Active supporters of MND Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, Kindness 4 Kids, and the Save Our Services Australia.
Once you know,
you know.