Brothers David and John Grisold started Chocolatier Australia in the small outer Melbourne suburb of Diamond Creek in 1985.
Initially trading as the Diamond Creek Chocolate Company, the brothers began buying and selling confectionary for the fundraising market.
By 1986, market research revealed that due to a rise in international travel, Australians were moving away from a ‘pie and sauce’ view of food towards an appreciation of the premium style confectionary available in Europe.
Coming from a family background in food manufacturing for the hospitality industry, David and John saw an opportunity and started to make premium chocolates for airlines and the high-end hotels becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
Our mission from day one
“To manufacture premium chocolates using the world’s finest ingredients, backed by outstanding customer service.”
With the help of an experienced ‘Chocolatier’, the brothers developed a new hand-made European range, also opening a retail outlet at the front of their Diamond Creek premises. Initially, they were making only a few kilos a day, with David doing daily deliveries of the fresh chocolates, and John managing production and retail sales through the shop.
As Chocolatier Australia’s reputation for fine chocolates grew, so did the company. In 1987 the company moved to a location in Ivanhoe and in 1991, a third brother, Mark, joined the business as a director and head of manufacturing. Their sister Joanne and her husband Bruce were also heavily involved in the day to day running of the business.
Over time the product range evolved. Remaining strong in hospitality, boxed chocolates and the loose ‘gourmet range’ were also being sold in department stores and specialty food stores. Eventually, specialty ranges such as Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day were also included.
In 2005, the business moved into a multi-million dollar purpose-built factory and warehousing facility in the suburb of Heidelberg West just 3km from the original Ivanhoe factory.
Even though Chocolatier Australia has grown considerably in 30 years, the art of fine chocolate making has never been lost. The family constantly strive to manufacture the very best products they can, using ethically sourced cocoa, the best ingredients, and state of the art equipment.
Today, the business is still family-owned and run, with John and Mark Grisold as Directors and several of their children working in various roles throughout the business. Along with a well-trained and passionate staff, they are still making beautiful chocolates.
Right here in Melbourne!
Chocolatier Australia today
Our Vision
To be Australia’s most loved premium quality chocolatier.
Our Mission
Chocolatier Australia will exceed customer expectations in premium quality product and service in all market sectors.
Our Path
Through continued investment in our brand and image, we want to be known as a 100% Australian family-owned company providing the local market with a branded range of affordable, luxury chocolates.
By being the best, and creating the best, we aim to be renowned as a premium quality chocolatier.
Our Values
Passion - We love what we do! We love chocolate and we love working with chocolate. We are living our dream and you can taste it in our beautiful products.
People - We’re not only a family business. We’re an extendend family business. Related or not, our people are part of our family and chocolate is what unites and drives us.
Quality - The finest ingredients, the best equipment, the deepest knowledge. Australia’s tastebuds know quality when they try it!
Collaboration - Everyone loves chocolate! We love working with our customers and our competitors to make it even more irresistible.
Service - Reliable, responsive, proactive, always in tune with the needs of our customers. It’s the only way we know.
Caring - Caring, like chocolate, should be shared far and wide. We work with our community partners to make our chocolates good for your karma as well as your tastebuds! We care.
‘Interflora Australia was lacking a quality offering for the important chocolate add-on extra item when our customers were purchasing a floral or hamper gift. As a result, Interflora developed a relationship with Chocolatier Australia.
Having a quality product, with an expansive range, excellent packaging presentation, and all made right here in Australia, made a compelling partnership. The ease of invoicing, range reviews, and day-to-day activities has been excellent for Interflora. We hope we will continue to develop and grow our sales as a result of this business relationship.’
‘Edible Blooms has been a proud partner of Chocolatier Australia for more than 17 years. As family-owned businesses, we appreciate the Grisold Family’s long history of manufacturing in Australia and their high attention to quality production processes.
Edible Blooms is Australia’s most loved gifting brand and we create our signature range of chocolate bouquets and gourmet hampers that feature the Chocolatier Australia product range. More than a key supply partner of our business, we are always confident with the presentation and taste of Chocolatier Australia products for our customers.’
— Kelly Jamieson, Founder and Managing Director Edible Blooms
Chocolatier Australia chocolates are available in independent retailers, sweet shops, and florists around Australia. You can also purchase online through our website at Chocilo Melbourne.
We do not sell direct to public from our factory/head office, but Wholesale enquiries are welcomed. Contact us here.
