A TRADITION OF CRAFT AND CARE
New owners, familiar hands – the makers, the methods, and the standards remain the heart of Honest Chocolat.
At Honest Chocolat, the story has and always will begin with the team. The makers who helped shape the brand in its early years are still in the workshop today. They bring steady hands, careful tasting, and a shared standard that does not waver – the reason regulars trust the chocolate and new customers return.
Ownership is new yet the culture is the same. Honest Chocolat is owned by Ashlesha Shastri, with support from her husband Pratik Mathurkar. Their four- year-old son, Nirbhay, often visits the workshop and asks curious questions about chocolate. The family presence matters, but the focus remains on the people who craft and the values that guide them.
Honest Chocolat believes that great chocolate begins long before it reaches the bench. The brand works with ethical suppliers who value quality and transparency, including Pacific origins such as Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu – a practice the new owners are committed to maintaining. That care shows in the final taste. Ingredients are clean and purposefully chosen. The range is gluten free and soy free, with many vegan options, so more people can enjoy chocolate without compromise.
Technique serves the bonbon. The shell is tempered for gloss and stability, then yields as it warms on the palate. It thins to nothing and the centre moves to a melt that feels rich, creamy, and smooth. Water ganache keeps flavours clear and bright, so notes open in gentle steps and finish long. The craft stays quiet and the cacao leads.
In store, the experience is welcoming and informed. Staff know the chocolates and the stories behind them, and they guide customers to selections that suit the moment. Packaging is simple and elegant. The tone is calm. Everything is designed to let flavour and craft take the lead.
The season ahead brings an invitation to slow down and celebrate. The Honest Chocolat Advent Calendar returns with twenty four unique chocolates, each a different flavour and texture with no repeats. It turns the December countdown into a small daily moment. Lift a door, taste, and carry on with a little more joy. Alongside the calendar, a full Christmas selection arrives, from generous bonbon boxes and festive editions to thoughtful gifts for families, colleagues, and friends.
Looking forward, the team and new owners are taking on larger challenges while preserving the soul of a small chocolate boutique. The aim is clear. Bring New Zealand fine chocolate to the fore, keep standards high, and serve the community with real care.