With production of Cadbury's iconic Chocolate Fish ceasing last Christmas, and stocks finally running out, many Kiwis are left reminiscing about this beloved treat. More often used as a reward or a nostalgic indulgence, this fishy shaped treat has held a special place in New Zealand's confectionery culture.
According to Cadbury, production of these treats stopped last year and has been slowly disappearing from shelves up and down the country with stocks running out about now.
It's not a case of overfishing, apparently Kiwis just haven’t been as keen on reeling in this breed of fish at the checkout. Lack of sales has meant they’ve dropped off in popularity. To be fair to the fish, they have got smaller than the originals and, not sure if it's just my memory, but they definitely don't taste the same as they used to.
However, while this particular fish has swum away, there are plenty more fish in the sea. Customers can still find similar fish-shaped treats to enjoy and continue the tradition of rewarding and indulging with a sweet, choc fishy delight.
Queen Anne Chocolates
Still Producing Locally Made Chocolate Fish
In a time when some companies have ceased the production of the beloved Chocolate Fish, Queen Anne Chocolates is proud to announce that it continues to produce these Kiwi favourites, offering a variety of delightful flavours to reward Kiwi’s for a job well done.
As other companies halt the production of Chocolate Fish, Queen Anne Chocolates stands firm in its commitment to this iconic treat. The company offers a diverse range of flavours, from the classic Milk Chocolate Strawberry Fish to Dark Chocolate Coffee Fish, and many more.
Imagine savouring the taste combination of delicious Strawberry Marshmallow smothered in a generous coating of milk chocolate, or refreshing Peppermint Marshmallow richly coated in dark chocolate.
How about tropical Pineapple Marshmallow generously coated in milk chocolate for that “oh so familiar” flavour combination. Better yet, buy Queen Anne Chocolate Fish for the ultimate taste test.
"Our Queen Anne is celebrating her 100th next year and still going strong - especially our Chocolate Fish. They are not a ‘dying breed’. In fact, the opposite is true; we now have a whole school of fish from the most popular Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fish to the Kiwiana Milk Chocolate Hokey Pokey fish and many in between. Our very fresh fish are locally made in New Zealand to our original Queen Anne recipe. And then there are our Chocolate Fish Bites - just like chocolate fish but smaller. We are currently launching Milk Chocolate Pineapple Fish Bites, the 5th flavour in this popular range," said Sarah Adams, Managing Director of Queen Anne Chocolates.
Queen Anne Chocolates remains dedicated to preserving the tradition and quality of locally made Chocolate Fish, ensuring that this beloved treat continues to bring joy to Kiwis across the country.
For further information contact your Alliance Marketing Representative.
Rainbow Chocky Fish
The Only Reward Choice
Kiwis have a longstanding tradition of rewarding good deeds with a delicious confectionery treat, and whilst other manufacturers may be ditching their fish as a “dying breed”, Rainbow Confectionery continues to be the reward of choice for consumers around the country, the catch of the day you might say, turning out over 700,000 individual 25g Rainbow Chocky Fish annually from their factory base in Oamaru.
Indeed, they produce a fish for everyone, from their 50g piece “Big Fish” and a smaller “Baby Fish” in a variety of bag sizes. With a raspberry flavoured marshmallow, Rainbow Confectionery’s range of Chocky, Big and Baby Fish are starch moulded into that instantly recognisable fish shape and gently enrobed in a smooth choc coating. For something that retains more of a tropical vibe, their old school Toastie bar (a 50g piece) is also a firm favourite, and anecdotally taken to the next level when popped in the freezer for a while.
Rainbow Confectionery is a New Zealand owned and operated company committed to producing iconic lollies that Kiwis love. From Milkbottles with real milk products from New Zealand farms, to the classic Pineapple Chunk, invented in the 1950s by Charles Diver on the very factory site from which they operate, individually wrapped Mints that grace reception counters and conference rooms across the country, and as the only manufacturer of Jelly Beans in New Zealand, millions of beans! Rainbow Confectionery are focused on ensuring that Kiwis have access to quality confectionery at affordable prices and are proud to be part of the story of confectionery manufacturing in Oamaru. They welcome you to be part of that story too as consumers of New Zealand made confectionery.
Bohemein Chocolates
The Chocolate Fish Story
When George Bohrmin, owner and Head Chocolatier, came to New Zealand in 1999, he wanted to fulfil his dream of opening a chocolate store. Eighteen years on and ensconced in New Zealand with a family and two stores under his belt, he was asked by a customer to recreate some of New Zealand’s iconic chocolate treats. The first kid off the block was the Dark Chocolate Fish.
After Researching a bit about what the Chocolate Fish means to Kiwis, Bohrmin wanted to try and produce a Chocolate Fish worthy of the fame and iconic status. New Zealand is a country full of fresh ingredients, and they love to use these in everything they do. So a new chocolate fish was born. With no artificial additives or preservatives.
After their Dark Chocolate fish had been around for a little while and won a couple of awards, Bohemein Chocolates introduced the Milk Chocolate Fish, with the same light fluffy Vanilla marshmallow inside but with Milk chocolate on the outside. The popularity of the Milk Fish soon caught up with the dark fish and now customers seek out both at their store New Bohemein Chocolate Store at 101 Lambton Quay, and through a variety of quality stockists throughout New Zealand.
Batch made, with fresh fluffy marshmallow and lots of dark chocolate. The snap of the chocolate, and the light marshmallow inside makes it a great treat or reward.
In years gone by all Kiwis knew that a chocolate fish was given as a treat or reward. Today, Bohemein Chocolates' award winning chocolate fish stands out for its natural ingredients, its taste and flavour.
The Chocolate Fish Co
The Giant Kōkopu
The Chocolate Fish Co has a chocolate fish modelled on the giant kōkopu. Made in New Zealand with solid dairy milk, each giant kōkopu chocolate fish donates six cents towards saving New Zealand's waterways. The giant kōkopu is New Zealand’s largest freshwater fish, and one of the five whitebait species, now endangered.
"Each time we sell a chocolate fish, we will donate six cents to The Whitebait Connection. This will help fund the Whitebait Connection's local community programmes, involve schools and local iwi, to clean up New Zealand rivers and waterways and draw attention to best practice."
OCHO
Award-Winning Sea Creatures
This 48 percent milk chocolate, shaped like sea creatures, is perfect for children and made with pure ingredients and no additives.
Using cacao beans from Papua New Guinea, this chocolate offers a fruity character balanced by the creamy texture of New Zealand milk. It's not just delicious; it won a gold medal at the 2022 New Zealand Chocolate Awards.
