Chocolate Brown

Cake decorations, coloured sprinkles, cooking sauces and barbecue rubs are among the many new items on sale at Warkworth’s Chocolate Brown since it was bought by speciality food manufacturer and import group Sweet Moments.

Managing director Mike ‘Sprinkles’ Briant says the Mill Lane shop will be a showcase for the Hibiscus Coast-based group to display its range of ingredients and brands, as well selling the familiar hand-made Chocolate Brown pralines, truffles, fudge and gift selections.

“This will be our wholesale chocolate manufacturing site and our showcase store for our home baker range, chocolate treats and gifts,” he says.

Briant says Chocolate Brown is getting back to its core business of making artisan chocolate, so the café will not reopen, but he wants the shop to be part of the community, with tastings, treats and new items for sale.

“We make 600 tonnes of sprinkles a year, so any kid who comes in will get a free bag of sprinkles, and anyone can taste our fudges or pralines,” he says.

The store is now a paradise for bakers and cake decorators, with everything from cake boards and candles to couverture chocolate and toppings in every shape, size and colour.

Those without a sweet tooth are also well catered for, with a wide range of sauces and condiments from brands including Al Brown, Lone Star, Rufus Teague and Hoff.

Brient says Sweet Moments wasn’t planning to buy Chocolate Brown, but when he saw the passion and commitment of chocolate maker Amanda Casci and her team, it was a no-brainer.

“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have bought it – they’re a fantastic team,” he says.