Founded in New Zealand in 2014 by Marie Monmont, Wildness organic chocolates are handmade using only the finest ingredients and environmentally sustainable methods.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
Marie Monmont started the chocolate company by contracting a chocolate maker in Wellington and starting to sell to customers. Wildness is a Social Enterprise in New Zealand and in Singapore. We harness the passion, skills, and energy of exceptional Singaporeans with special needs at APSN CFA (Association for Persons with Special Needs Centre for Adults) and in the Rimutaka prison in New Zealand.
Packed with eco-friendly zero-waste materials, our delicious organic chocolates are handmade using only the finest ingredients and environmentally sustainable methods.
Our product packaging is printed locally in Singapore and New Zealand using sustainable soy-based inks on biodegradable paper and sleeves. Wildness is proud to work in two countries who share a passion for integrity, sustainability, environmental awareness, zero waste, organic foods and fostering real social progress.
What is the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
Wildness chocolates are organic, locally made, gluten-free, and socially conscious.
We are using a fruit called cupuacu which is unique to us. It comes from a very small production in Brazil that we bring here to New Zealand. This fruit is from the same family as the cacao tree.
It is the way we work that makes us very special too. Wildness is based inside the Rimutaka Prison in Wellington. We print, pack and dispatch directly to the customers from there. Our social impact to our community is important while having a normal business.
Has there been any recent company news?
We have started our new factory to supply the Asian market in Singapore. There, we are manufacturing organic chocolates with adults with special needs - mainly down syndrome and autistic adults. It’s the same everything, just in a different country with a different population.
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
Singapore is our main expansion to limit our foot carbon print. For now, Wildness is against export, however, we are looking at expanding into Australia in 2021.
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
Wildness is available in Queenstown at Raeward Fresh and gourmet supermarkets around the country, as well as some cafes. We are mainly selling in hotels and corporates. Of course, we wish to have much more shops selling our chocolates.
