Interview - Isabel Whitaker - The Chocolate Library

Chocolate should be considered one of life’s essentials. Ask Isabel Whitaker, Owner/Creator of The Chocolate Library. Her life’s mission is to make people happy through chocolate. We asked her a few questions about chocolate’s place in her life and this is what she told us.

FFW: What does The Chocolate Library offer?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Bespoke chocolate creations made from the finest Belgian Coverture chocolate.

FFW: What is the company’s background?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: I have always been a textbook ‘chocoholic’, ever since I was child, following in the footsteps of my Dad, who would loved all things chocolate. It’s definitely a hereditary condition!

I had been making chocolates for 20 years as a hobby, taking chocolatier courses and supplying an endless flurry of friends and friends with something unique to give as gifts for all occasions, whilst being in a corporate job.

Two years ago, my amazing Mum passed away, but before she died, she told me that life was short, and to do what made me truly happy, and so I did.

I pride myself on making chocolates that are not replicated anywhere, with an added flair and distinction to any other supplier.

FFW: Do you make everything by hand?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: I make everything by hand with the finest of ingredients in my commercial kitchen. The shop front is purely for displays and retail sales, with nothing being made onsite.

FFW: Do you use any local ingredients in your chocolates?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: I use Callebaut Belgian Couverture chocolate.

FFW: Do you offer vegan chocolate?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Yes, our dark chocolate is vegan. We also have others that are made with rice milk instead of animal milk, that is more of a ‘milk’ chocolate.

FFW: Do your chocolates contain any artificial additives?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: No.

FFW: Why is there such a focus on novelty chocolates?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: I believe that there are many places that create beautifully tasting chocolates, but few, if any, that combine that amazing taste and quality with truly artistic pieces. 

FFW: What are the most popular products in your range?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Brigadeiro Truffles, Handbags, Louis Vuitton Handbags, High Heeled Shoes, Champagne Bottles, Coco Chanel Perfume, Trainers, Skulls, Rocky Road, Hot Chocolate Blocks, Geo Hearts.

FFW: How are foodservice businesses and retailers offering your products?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Hotel gifts and turn downs, event premises for weddings/corporate/christenings/birthdays, local cafés and restaurants for chocolates with coffee and the hot chocolate blocks with inbuilt marshmallows, hamper providers, businesses for employee and client gifts, florists.

FFW: Do you offer your chocolate products in bulk quantities for foodservice clients?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Yes.

FFW: Have you received any unusual feedback?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Rocky Road displays for Easter tables, a large ‘Bottom’ display for a gut therapy and colonic business! Large Bust and Tummy for baby showers, Skulls for Halloween, Giant 3ft Easter Bunny for Cancer Council charity, many Easter eggs and bunnies for many clubs, Easter raffles.

FFW: How does The Chocolate Library make it easy for customers to do business with you?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Mixed and low minimum orders of 10. Delivered by temperature-controlled courier (we can’t send via post).

FFW: Do you produce seasonal chocolates? What are the main occasions throughout the year?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Australia Day, Christmas in July.

FFW: What do you think is chocolate’s most important role in life?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: Making people happy. If you’re going to be addicted to something, this isn’t a bad one!

FFW: Do you happen to admire any other small or artisan food producers that you can name for us?

THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY: There is an artisan Bakery called B85 in Camden that opened a few months before me. It’s insanely good.

If you’re looking for an outstanding chocolatier who can supply premium quality chocolates, both novel and classic, give The Chocolate Library a call.