Inside Haigh’s Chocolate Factory: A Tour of Chocolate Magic

Have you ever wondered how your favorite chocolates are made? At Haigh’s Chocolate Factory, we had the chance to unveil the wonders of chocolate-making. Join us on our journey as we explore the fascinating world behind the scenes, where craftsmanship and passion create the magic of Haigh’s chocolates.

The Journey Begins: Arriving at Haigh’s Chocolate Factory

Our tour began at Haigh’s Chocolate Factory located at 154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063, Australia. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly guide who shared some background about Haigh’s, a family-owned business with over a century of chocolate-making history.

Discovering the Chocolate-Making Process

As we donned our hairnets and lab coats, we were ready to venture into the heart of the factory. Here’s what we learned during the tour:

1. Selection of Cocoa Beans: Haigh’s sources its beans from sustainable cocoa farms, ensuring premium quality and ethical practices.
2. Roasting: The beans are carefully roasted to develop their exquisite flavor profiles.
3. Grinding and Conching:
   • This step transforms cocoa nibs into a smooth coca liquor.
   • Conching further refines texture and flavor.
4. Tempering: Essential for achieving the perfect shine and snap, this method stabilizes the chocolate.
5. Moulding and Packing:
   • The chocolate is shaped using intricate moulds that define different products.
   • The final products are then packed with care to maintain their freshness.

Insights from Our Chocolate Making Tour

The guide shared some notable statistics that highlight Haigh’s dedication:

• Haigh’s produces over one million kilograms of chocolate each year.
• Approximately 70% of their products are made from single-origin chocolate.
• The factory employs over 450 people, maintaining Haigh’s longstanding heritage.

Every step in the production emphasizes quality and painstaking detail, making each chocolate truly exceptional. Our tour guide highlighted Haigh’s commitment to reducing environmental impact through initiatives like sustainable packaging.

A Tantalizing End: Tasting Haigh’s Chocolates

No chocolate tour is complete without a taste test. We indulged in a variety of samples, from creamy milk chocolate to rich, intense dark chocolates. Haigh’s Praline and Truffles stood out as delicate works of art crafted with mastery.

Feeling inspired, we visited their on-site shop where an array of delightful chocolates awaited us. We couldn’t resist purchasing their signature chocolate frogs as souvenirs.

Visiting Haigh’s Chocolate Factory was an unforgettable experience of unraveling chocolate-making magic. If you’re ever in South Australia, a stop at Haigh’s promises a sweet journey through an iconic craft. To plan your visit, check out their official tour page.