Auckland bean-to-bar chocolate maker Shirl & Moss has prepared to open its first dedicated factory and retail store in Belmont this week, bringing production and direct-to-consumer sales together after eight years of operating from home.
At 43B Eversleigh Road, next door to Daily Bread, the new premises will let customers watch chocolate production through an internal viewing window, sample the company's range, and buy drinks from a dedicated drinking chocolate bar.
Co-owner and chocolate maker Simon Godsiff said the opening was an important milestone for the family-owned business.
“It’s pretty special to be opening our first shop right here in Belmont, especially when we live just around the corner,” said Godsiff.
“We’ve spent years building Shirl & Moss from a small home operation, so being able to open our doors to the public feels like a huge milestone.”
Shirl & Moss produces chocolate from ethically sourced cacao beans grown in the Solomon Islands and Tanzania. The entire manufacturing process, including roasting, refining, tempering, moulding, and wrapping, is undertaken in-house.
The business has expanded its range over the years, exploring different cacao origins and collaborating with New Zealand producers including Kōkako Coffee and Allpress Olive Groves. Its products have also received recognition at the NZ Chocolate Awards, Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, and NZ Artisan Awards.
Shirl & Moss is a founding partner of A Bar Apart, a collective of 14 New Zealand bean-to-bar chocolate makers promoting transparency in cacao sourcing and chocolate production.
Co-owner and general manager Renee Cataldo said the new store would give customers an opportunity to explore the differences between chocolate varieties before purchasing.
“Everyone has different preferences when it comes to flavour, texture and cacao percentage. We love being able to let people taste the range, discover what they enjoy and learn a little more about the craft behind it.”
The opening introduces a new retail channel for Shirl & Moss, which already supplies customers and retailers throughout New Zealand. Combining manufacturing, tastings, and retail sales in one location will also give the business a direct connection with consumers while showcasing the production process behind its chocolate.
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