Whittaker’s
This page is about iconic Porirua business, Whittaker’s confectionery manufacturers.
Image of a Whittaker's Original 50g Peanut Slab
"We have grown significantly since first coming here. The front office was built about ten years ago and we completed building an extension to the factory about a year ago," says Whittaker's marketing manager Philip Poole.
This has enabled more of the packed stock and raw materials to be kept on site, says Philip.
As the company has expanded so too has its number of products. Whittaker’s now produce all manner of Slab chocolate bars, Sante chocolate bars, individually wrapped chocolate squares and of course the 250gm chocolate bars in many different varieties.
Approachable Council
One of the benefits of operating out of Porirua is the approachability and accessibility of Porirua City Council, says Philip. "We have a positive relationship with the Council – they are very accessible." Philip says that although Whittaker's as a company tends to just get on with what they do best, it is good to be able to pick up the phone and have access to the Mayor or Chief Executive if they need to.
The company employs around 70 staff many of whom live locally. This local workforce provides a diverse pool of staff from factory workers through to accounting, marketing and product development people.
Philip says the company is proud of its Porirua roots and has highlighted this in advertising campaigns. "It's important to us and our market that we are a New Zealand company and a part of that is being based in Porirua."
In fact the majority of Whittaker's market is in New Zealand although they also have markets in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Award winning business
Over the years the company has been recognised for its contribution to both Porirua and the region as a whole. Notably in 2003 Whittaker's received the Supreme Award in the Porirua City Business Awards and in 2008, they received a Cornerstone Business Salute at the Gold Awards for outstanding long term contribution to Wellington Business.
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