RED Grant sweetens Chocolate Company expansion

South West Minister Don Punch visited the Margaret River Chocolate Company this month to see firsthand how a regional development grant is helping sweeten operations at the popular tourist destination.

The $85,000 Regional Economic Development (RED) grant has supported an expansion doubling the manufacturing area, alongside a new alfresco space.

Co-owner Martin Black welcomed the opportunity to show off the improvements.

“Minister Punch is very knowledgeable about the regions, having worked here for many years. He was delighted to see our progress, and it gave our staff quite a buzz having a VIP visit!”

“We’ve been eager for some time to expand our Margaret River facility,” Mr Black explained.

“While we have manufacturing capacity in Perth, we really wanted to produce more product here. The RED grant helped level the playing field, making it worthwhile to invest in our Margaret River headquarters.”

The project features new equipment and an expanded production area, visible through the signature ‘chocolate window’.

Visitors can enjoy watching more chocolate-making in action, while the café’s new deck extension offers a spot under the trees for an additional 16-20 guests.

Now in its 26th year, the chocolate factory continues finding ways to enhance visitor experiences.

“We do everything we can to make each visit better,” Mr Black shared. “We want to keep adding something new, exciting and interesting each time they come to the factory. It’s all about the experience!”

He believes that creating the perfect moments involves understanding your customers, their needs, and what brings them joy in every season.

“Starting July 20, the Hot Chocolate Festival will feature more than a dozen creative flavours to warm up visitors,” Mr Black explained.

From Strawberry Surprise, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel and Very Cherry to the cute Chokka the Quokka Mocha, these hot choccie treats will be available for the next six weeks.

“Winter can be tough, so we wanted to help people get through these last few weeks with a smile.”

While expanding its operations and experiences, the business maintains another key focus: conservation.

“An integral part of our business is supporting conservation efforts. We’ve backed many not-for-profit groups and charities across WA, especially in the Margaret River region for years now, and it’s something we’re very passionate about,” Mr Black said.

“We were the first company to support Quokka conservation and research.

“When the Northcliffe bushfires happened, we funded tracking devices for all surviving Quokkas to monitor the population.

“Those kinds of projects are really special to be involved with. They mean a lot to us, as a local and regional business.”

Continuing their commitment to wildlife protection, their latest initiative includes a new ‘Born to be Wild’ T-shirt featuring five endangered WA species that the company helps protect through their funding.

“Small ideas like this carry a big message. The T-shirts help to spread the word and to share what we are working on and towards,” Mr Black explained. “It’s something we’re extremely proud of.”

The funding helps businesses grow; however, Mr Black believes supporting local causes builds a stronger community.

“Receiving support allows us to expand, which, in turn, means we can increase our commitment to regional conservation and community projects. It’s a wonderful cycle of support.”

Drawing from his positive experience with the RED grant program, Mr Black encourages other regional businesses to explore these opportunities.

“These grants provide a great opportunity for businesses to follow their aspirations and bring project ideas to life. While there’s proper reporting involved to ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly, the support makes regional development more achievable.

“Looking at past recipients, you can see how these grants have helped turn innovative ideas into reality across our region. For us, we’ve been able to achieve some of our own long-awaited dreams, and we’re looking forward to sharing them with the region!”