Whittaker’s new brand campaign honours its past and positions it for the future

AUCKLAND, Today: Whittaker’s agencies of record – MBM (creative) and AKQA (digital), along with Waitemata Films and director Peter Burger – have brought to life the new brand campaign for the only global chocolate brand based here in Godzone.

The campaign reflects the company’s values as a family-owned. It features Whittaker’s Chocolate Lover and Kiwi actor Karl Urban as J H Whittaker.

Shot at recognisable Wellington locations, it is designed to be light-hearted, irreverent and quintessentially Kiwi.

Siblings Matt and Holly Whittaker, Whittaker’s co-chief operating officers and great-grandchildren of J H Whittaker, say this is a significant milestone for Whittaker’s after nearly a decade of working with brand ambassador, Nigella Lawson.

“We loved working with Nigella for all those years and she has been instrumental in building our brand based on our unrelenting commitment to quality,” said Holly. “We’re pleased that she remains a passionate Whittaker’s Chocolate Lover, but we’re also very excited about our new chapter.”

Whittaker’s continues to make all of its chocolate from beans-to-bar at its one factory in Porirua.

Karl Urban, who plays Whittaker’s founder, says he is truly delighted to bring the character of the “time-travelling” hero to the screen.

“We loved working with Nigella for all those years and she was instrumental in building our brand based on our unrelenting commitment to quality.”

“I absolutely love Whittaker’s. It is one hundred percent my favourite chocolate in the world and I’m proud to be associated with such an awesome, iconic Kiwi brand.

“When I’m working overseas for extended periods, Whittaker’s chocolate is the one thing I have sent over – a little home comfort that’s an essential part of my day.”

The chocolate time machine was made by Human Dynamo, a creative company that supplies design, model-making and technical fabrication from its studio and workshops in Miramar, Wellington.

Matt Whittaker says the Whittaker’s team was fortunate to have had access to world-class talent and creatives right here to create the new campaign.

“We really value the contribution that everyone involved has made to this, and we can’t wait to hear what Whittaker’s chocolate lovers think of it.”

The new campaign went live across TV, online video, cinema, digital, social and out of home yesterday (Sunday 12 June), and will also support the launch of new products which are on the way.

PR is by Sweeny Vesty.

• More here: www.whittakers.co.nz