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  • Whittaker's
  • Grown Alchemist
  • Moodi
Mark Linton's Portfolio
Home
About
contact
Case Studies
Brand analysis
  • Whittaker's
  • Grown Alchemist
  • Moodi
More
  • Home
  • About
  • contact
  • Case Studies
  • Brand analysis
    • Whittaker's
    • Grown Alchemist
    • Moodi

  • Home
  • About
  • contact
  • Case Studies
  • Brand analysis
    • Whittaker's
    • Grown Alchemist
    • Moodi

WHITTAKER'S: GOOD HONEST CHOCOLATE

what do they have for us?

Best is always better

New Zealands finest chocolate

Best is always better

 'We live by the belief that best is always better - for our chocolate, our people and our planet.' really covers off the products' branding focus on a higher quality chocolate, looking after suppliers and always including sustainability in their process.

Suppliers and people

New Zealands finest chocolate

Best is always better

In the good honest chocolate campaign, Whittaker's made an effort to include the work they do in Ghana to make the process easier for workers. A country known for child labour and poor working conditions.

New Zealands finest chocolate

New Zealands finest chocolate

New Zealands finest chocolate

Using the word 'finest' solidifies Whittaker's as a premium chocolate and again reminds people they are a trustworthy 'New Zealand' company. Touching on the ethical sourcing of cocoa, again showing their Rainforest Alliance certification.

Sustainability

New Zealands finest chocolate

New Zealands finest chocolate

Recycle, reuse, reduce. The continual message in their brand is sustainability. In the story on their Good, Honest Chocolate section show's Whittaker's three-step process for packaging sustainability.

where + who is it for?

Core Audience Segments:

Chocolate Lovers: The overarching platform targets people who truly love chocolate, emphasising rituals and passion for the brand.


Quality Seekers: Consumers wanting premium taste without exorbitant luxury, appreciating Whittaker's commitment to quality ingredients (like Ghanaian cocoa) and ethical practices.


Ethically Conscious Consumers (Millennials & Gen Z): Demographics increasingly prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, which aligns with Whittaker's Rainforest Alliance certification.


Broad Age Range (18-60+): While focused on young adults (18-45), their appeal extends across generations, including Gen X (50s) and older, with strong family and gifting associations.


Whittaker's market placement:


  • Mass Market Retailers: This is the primary channel. Whittaker's chocolate is sold in nearly all supermarkets, service stations, and dairies throughout New Zealand.


  • Specialty Stores: The company also distributes its products to specialty chocolate outlets and cafes.


  • Online Sales: Customers can purchase a selection of products directly from the official Whittaker's Gift Shop online.


  • International Export: Whittaker's exports to various global markets, including Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Middle East, via major retail chains (e.g., Coles and Woolworths in Australia, AEON Big and Tesco in Malaysia).


what Is its value?

Where do they fit in?

Affordable premium — higher quality than mass-market chocolate, without the exclusivity or high price of boutique brands.

Pricing compared to competitor's

  • Above: Cadbury, Nestlé, generic supermarket brands
  • Below: Lindt premium lines, boutique bean-to-bar brands
  • Alongside: Lindt standard range, Tony’s Chocolonely
     

Whittaker’s sits comfortably in the “worth paying more for” zone.

Value Perception

 Customers feel they’re paying for:


  • Better ingredients
  • Ethical sourcing
  • Consistent quality
     

The brand reinforces the idea that quality should be accessible, not elitist.

Price Strategy

  • Everyday purchase friendly — not reserved for special occasions
  • Strong presence in supermarkets keeps prices familiar and trusted
  • Promotions feel like a bonus, not a necessity

Simple Summary

Whittaker’s is priced to feel premium without being exclusive, making high-quality, ethical chocolate an everyday choice rather than a luxury.

brand voice

Strategy: How do people establish a connection?


Message & Copy


• Plainspoken, minimal, and direct

• Avoids buzzwords and sales pressure

• Language feels human and grounded


This reinforces the idea that Whittaker’s has nothing to hide — honesty is the message.


Visual & Design Approach

Across the campaign and broader promotions:


• Warm, rich colour palette (chocolate browns, gold accents)

• Minimal layouts that prioritise clarity

• Familiar brand elements maintained for continuity

• Premium feel without feeling exclusive or elitist


Design supports trust rather than distraction.


Promotional Materials

Whittaker’s ads, packaging, and digital assets are:


• Consistent across channels

• Easily recognisable from a distance

• Focused on product, not personalities or gimmicks


This consistency builds strong brand recall and long-term loyalty.


Audience Impact

The approach resonates strongly with:


• Everyday chocolate buyers

• Families and middle-income households

• Values-driven consumers who want ethical choices without complexity


Why It Works


• Aligns perfectly with Whittaker’s established brand values

• Builds long-term trust instead of short-term excitement

• Feels authentic rather than campaign-driven


Whittaker’s proves that strong brands don’t need to shout. By choosing honesty, clarity, and restraint, “Good Honest Chocolate” turns simplicity into a competitive advantage.

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