Raglan Chocolate

In the Waikato coastal town of Raglan, a small but mighty chocolate maker is proving that sustainability and fairness can be the foundation of a delicious business. Raglan Chocolate is more than a brand—it’s a movement. With just two team members founders and partners in business and life, “The Maker” food technologist, Mike Renfree and “The Wrapper,” Simone Downey this bean-to-bar business has ben making waves across Aotearoa and beyond since 2017.

At the heart of Raglan Chocolate’s ethos is a deep respect for the land, the growers, and the community. Their cacao is sourced exclusively from Pacific neighbours—Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands—ensuring traceability, fair pricing, and a strong regional connection. Other ingredients, like organic milk powder and raw sugar, are sourced through Trade Aid and New Zealand businesses, reinforcing their commitment to ethical supply chains.

Raglan Chocolate operates with minimal environmental impact. Their production uses virtually no water, and their energy needs are modest—limited to machinery and lighting—with plans to transition to solar in the future. Their packaging is entirely plastic-free, using paper and cardboard for bars and courier deliveries, sealed with paper tape. A uniquely shaped bar wrapper, designed in collaboration with a local Raglan artist, adds a personal and creative touch.

Their waste footprint is impressively low. The only by-product—cacao husk—is repurposed for tea, donated to a local brewer, and used as a soil conditioner in gardens. Even their transport choices reflect their values: the Maker drives an electric car, and the Wrapper works from home. Cacao is shipped directly to New Zealand by sea, reducing emissions and supporting low-impact logistics.

Raglan Chocolate is deeply embedded in its community. They donate bars to local mountain pest control groups and engage directly with customers at markets, using these opportunities to educate the public about the food story behind their chocolate. Their commitment to equity and sustainability extends to their relationships with cacao growers, who are considered part of the team. Inside each single-origin bar wrapper is a photo and story of the grower—shining a light on the people who make the magic happen.

The business was part of the pilot Go Eco Climate Response Programme, working with facilitators to identify emissions and mitigation strategies. One outcome was the switch from foil to paper wrappers, helping them stay on track with their climate goals.

Raglan Chocolate is proud to be part of the global bean-to-bar movement, which champions transparency, fair trade, and sustainable land use. With fewer than 20 makers in New Zealand, they are helping lead a cacao and chocolate awakening—one that values the trees, the land, and the people who tend them.

This is chocolate with conscience. Raglan Chocolate’s story is one of passion, purpose, and progress. It’s proof that small businesses can make a big impact—and that sustainability can be as sweet as the treats they create.

Learn more about the Raglan Chocolate story and buy from here.