Chocolatiers face hard Xmas as price rises dampens demand

Chocolatiers fear their expectations of a Christmas surge in demand will not be realised as price rises put off holiday orders.

CHOCOLATIERS are relying on a late Christmas surge as rising prices have put off chocolate lovers leading into the busiest time of the year.

The cost of ingredients, packaging, freight and more – not to mention interest rate rises – have put up prices and in turn a dampener on the gourmet end of the handmade chocolate industry.

Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, owner of 31 Degrees Custom Chocolates at Woolloongabba, says the usual pre-holiday season chocolate addiction has failed to kick in.

“Generally, we’re coming into our busiest season when we see big sales and pre-orders,” she says.

“But we haven’t seen that yet. A lot of people are reluctant to open their wallets up this early in the game and we’re hoping for a rush at the end.”

Bridget McDonald and Michelle Wade with their handmade chocolates.

Michelle Wade, who last year with Bridget McDonald launched Curatorial: Chocolates – a one-stop shop for top level “ethical” chocolatiers and chocolate makers products from around Australia – said margins had become tighter so prices have increased.

“We’re a bit quieter this Christmas period than last year because there’s more competition with everyone trying to sell their chocolates to a smaller market as there’s less demand,” she says.

Wade says they’ve had to think outside the box and form collaborations, one with family-run Imbibis Craft Distillery at Bulimba. This resulted in limited edition gift boxes – the Craft Gin & Paired Chocolates Selection featuring Clarity Gin, a recent recipient a Bronze medal at the London Spirits Competition 2022.

Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick from 31 Degrees Custom Chocolates at Woolloongabba. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

Selling for $91 on the Curatorial site, the London-style gin has been paired with handmade chocolates that compliment and contrast with the gin.

Imbibis chief distiller Jason Hannay says they worked with Curatorial: Chocolates to pair the gin with a range of chocolates that enhances the fresh lemon myrtle flavours and complement the star anise notes of the gin.

“I was surprised at how fantastic the combination of gin and chocolate really can be. It’s a great way to challenge the palate and experience some wonderful new flavour combinations,” he says.

CUP DREAMS

WITH the 2022 FIFA World Cup about to start Ginger Sports founder and CEO Ben Hutchinson is happy to spread the gospel … about the Socceroos.

With 1500 children in more than 200 weekly sessions - from preschoolers to early primary schoolers across South East Queensland - Ginger Sports is taking the opportunity to talk to their charges about the Greatest Show on Earth.

“We’re telling our coaches to let the kids know about the World Cup and support the Socceroos. But it’s a bit hard to get awareness in a multi-sport nation if it’s not being played here,” he says.

“When Australia won the Asian Cup in 2016 I will never forget that the day after we took about 90 or 100 registrations. Next year the Women’s World Cup is being played in Australia so there will be a bit more awareness around that.”

Young players in the Ginger Sports program.

Originally from Newcastle in the UK, Hutchinson started Ginger Sports 13 years ago aimed at preschools and has also launched Quest Football Academy for older children.

The business was hit by the Covid pandemic which he described as a “challenging time”.

“We are now in a good spot and we’re looking at growing nationally through investment and strategic partnerships through a franchise model,” he says.

“We’re looking for investors to come on the journey with us. We know it’s the way forward if we are to grow nationally.”