Our Story
At Patagonia Chocolates, we craft more than just chocolates. We create chocolate that awakens the senses and stirs the soul.
Our chocolate brings people together, making lasting memories, and leaving taste buds longing for more.
We honour our heritage by using timeless, time-honoured techniques passed down through generations of our Italian and Argentinian ancestors. Our commitment to quality means our products are made with only the highest quality ingredients using artisanal methods that preserve the best of flavours and textures.
We begin at the source. Finding the ingredients that we know and trust their origins, their quality and their flavour. From picking cherries from our own orchard in the famous cherry region of Central Otago, to using Hazelnuts grown on the best trees in Canterbury, we try and test until we find perfection.
Our dedicated team of growers handpick ripe cherries. They’re then de-stalked and de-stoned by hand, making sure the integrity and quality of the fruit stays the same throughout the entire process.
Once they’re picked, they’re then passed to our chocolate room team, who infuse them with locally produced Pinot Noir wine for 72 hours to create our Cherry & Pinot Bonbons. Some are taken to our kitchen to be made into Cherry Cheesecakes, while others are delivered to our ice cream makers to create our Cherries and Cream Gelato.
From the moment each ingredient is picked, they go through the skilled hands of our team who have become experts in the process. We have created an ecosystem of talented and passionate people, from our Head Chefs to our waffle cone makers to our delivery drivers, all working towards one goal - giving you the best treat experience.
Not only do we invest in quality ingredients, but we also invest in our people. When we see passion and potential, we give our time and skills into creating a workplace culture of people who align with our values and do their best to create the products that we all enjoy. There's nothing we love more than seeing someone start in a part-time role and grow into one of our core team members.
Being based in such a beautiful part of the world, we are constantly inspired by our surroundings. Our cafes are located by lakes and rivers, and the influence of our environment flows through our business - from the design on our packaging, to the spectacular views from our cafe windows, to the incredible produce that is grown around us.
We’re also surrounded by incredible people - from our staff to our customers to our suppliers to the people who do the thankless tasks that help make our business work and grow. It’s a privilege for us to be able to give back to the people who have supported us and our community throughout the years. We’re proud to support our local community in the ways that matter most. From sponsoring local sports teams to supporting arts, culture and health research initiatives. Whether it’s our time, product or resources, we do what we can to lend a hand to those who need it.
We also stand proudly with the LGBTQ+ community, and support Rainbow Youth, a charity dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people across Aotearoa.
Our commitment is grounded in the same values that shape everything we do: generosity, connection, and joy. These principles guide us as we craft products inspired by our environment, our heritage, and the people. We believe that life’s greatest moments are made even sweeter when shared, through a special treat, a heartfelt gesture, or simply enjoying moments together.
So we invite you to join us on this journey, celebrating the joy of indulgence and creating lasting memories with those who matter most.
