Metiisto Artisan Chocolate factory business owner Trevor Smith announces shock closure, reveals reasons why

After 12 years of running an award-winning artisan chocolate business, the owner has announced he will officially be closing the doors. Here’s why.

If the tale of Willy Wonka is to be believed, the idea of running your own chocolate factory sounds like a dream come true, but Metiisto’s Trevor Smith has opened up about the reality of owning an artisan chocolate business in the current economic climate.

After 12 years of running the award-winning business, Mr Smith and his wife Magdalena made the difficult decision to shut up shop after Christmas.

From Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns, to logistic issues and cost of living pressures, the past four years have been troublesome for the venture and its industry counterparts.

Trevor and Magdalena Smith of Metiisto Artisan Chocolate. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Our sales went down during Covid and (never recovered) because people’s disposable incomes just aren’t there anymore,” he said.

“We’re not alone – there are lots of businesses that are going or have gone broke in the past five years and we don’t want to be one of those companies.

“We would love to continue on with this business forever, but when the passion is gone, it’s gone, so it’s time to move on, finish this chapter and start a new one.

“It’s time to go out gracefully while we still can and now is the perfect time because we have achieved everything we wanted to achieve.”

Metiisto Artisan Chocolate owners Trevor and Magdalena Smith. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Although the chocolate manufacturers attempted to sell the brand, Mr Smith said it was not possible as it was a field which required a diverse and unique set of skills to succeed.

As a result of the pandemic, the chocolatier said several projects in the pipeline for the business also never eventuated, including a television contract.

“Our world stopped during Covid and it hasn’t really come back,” he said.

“We’re all missing four years of our lives in between then and now.”

The pair first started Metiisto in 2012 when they were living in the small Swedish town of Falun, before relocating permanently to Mr Smith’s hometown of Toowoomba.

Some of his favourite memories from the past decade include being a judge for a cocoa competition at the Solomon Islands and winning best small food producer at the Australian Food Awards in 2019, as well as receiving a lifetime achievement award in London in 2021.

Trevor and Magda Smith, owners of Metiisto Artisan Chocolate. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We would like to extend a massive thank you to our customers for the support and for helping us to run for this long,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s probably sadder for some of our customers than us because we’re ready to turn over a new leaf, but we met a lot of really nice people and we will definitely miss them.”

The couple are now looking for new career opportunities, with Mr Smith bringing a diverse range of hospitality and automotive experience behind him, while his wife is seeking a management role.

Committed to continue raising their two children in Toowoomba, Mr Smith confirmed they would remain living in the Garden City.

While the retail shop closed in July this year, the factory will cease operations after Christmas, with remaining stock set to be sold through the online store at reduced prices.