Growing up a Whittaker
Amy Jackman speaks to Whittaker’s brand manager Holly Whittaker about Cadbury, not liking Peanut Slabs and her passion for painting.
Did you grow up near the factory?
I grew up in Plimmerton and Pauatahanui. I’ve always been within about 20 minutes of the factory, but I don’t think I ever thought I would be working here. I wanted to be a painter. Before that I had an interest in fashion and wanted to be a makeup artist at one point. Always the creative? Yes. I also had an interest in people and health. I studied fine arts and psychology. After that I got into advertising, because it was a creative outlet with a commercial focus. It was also a good way to have a stable job that was creative. I did worry about finishing a painting fine arts degree and then having the instability of trying to fund a career. I still paint and draw in the weekend.
What was it like coming back to Porirua from London and Melbourne?
I was ready to come home. I like the ease of living here. The pace of life was full on in London and Melbourne. It’s the little things as well, like driving to work and being able to find a park or going to the bank and it not taking two hours. I like the fact that the factory’s based in Porirua, my home town. A lot of businesses have moved, but we’re still based here and employ a lot of people from the local area. Are there things you miss? I miss my friends and I do miss London and the diversity of the culture. Of course I also miss being close to Europe and jumping on a plane and being in Spain in two hours. But at the same time it’s nice to hop in the car, drive for a couple of hours to a bach in the Hawke’s Bay and not have thousands of people on the beach fighting for the same one square metre of space.
Was chocolate a big part of your childhood?
Dad [Andrew] and Brian had a tiny office when I was younger. At the time we were only making Peanut Slabs, Sante bars, Toffee Milks and K- bars. Sante bars were my favourite. When Mum and Dad were chatting I would get given one to keep me quiet. I actu- ally hated Peanut Slabs, but did love K-bars. Of course, I wasn’t allowed them all the time as they are bad for your teeth!
What was your favourite K-bar?
I liked the ones that weren’t as popular, like blackberry or lemon. All my friends liked orange or raspberry. Any other favourites? Milk sante was my favourite when I was little, but I love the peppermint one now. Honey Nut Crunch is my new favourite slab and my current favourite block is the Hundreds and Thousands. If I had to pick another it would be Milk Strawberry or Macadamia. In the squares range it’s the Dark Ghana, chunks is Creamy Milk and in the mini slabs my favourite is Coconut.
Do you like Peanut Slabs now?
Yes I do and I see why it appeals, but it’s not a favourite.
What was it like having a dad who made chocolate?
It was always more exciting for my friends. I didn’t really realise that having a dad who made chocolate and toffee was a big deal. It was just what he did. It was the reaction of other children that made me realise it was a special thing. A lot of people thought I would have an abundance of chocolate or that my cupboards would be filled with Peanut Slabs.
Are you proud to be the fourth generation to work for the company?
Yes. It started with my greatgrandfather James Henry. He came out to New Zealand in 1890 and started JH Whittaker and Sons in 1896. He had eight children and my grandfather Maurice was one of his four sons. He was in the business from the 40s to the 70s. He died in the early 70s and that’s when my dad and uncle Brian joined. Now my brother Matt and I are part of it. It’s really special that it’s still 100 per cent family owned.
Do you eat chocolate everyday?
I’m a real chocolate in the morning person. I could have chocolate for breakfast with a cup of coffee. There are so many different types to keep you interested. We try new flavours every week.
Was Cadbury chocolate banned growing up?
Absolutely! And I’m very sensitive about it with my friends. If anyone offers me a piece of chocolate from the other brand I don’t eat it. I’m proud of my own products. For me it’s like the All Blacks v Australia. You support the local guys.
Cadbury changed its recipe a few years ago. What impact did that have?
The competitor took out some cocoa butter and replaced it with palm oil, and reduced the size of its pack. It became a big issue. Through the error in their ways, consumers suddenly had a reason to try Whittaker’s. When they did they stuck with it. Our sales shot up overnight. We actually had one moulding line that was sitting at 20 per cent capacity and within a couple of weeks it was at 100 per cent.