Confectionery manufacturers have gone all out to delight and surprise this Easter.
In a year of milestones for Ai Group members, chocolate makers including Haigh’s Chocolates, Ferrero, Koko Black and Chocolatier, Nestlé, Mondelēz International and Darrell Lea have created new and novel treats including super-size eggs, bunny hut chocolate building kits and hot cross bun-flavoured KitKats.
Ai Group Head of Confectionery Tim Piper said such innovation added much fun to this time of year.
“Chocolate is synonymous with Easter, and our confectionery manufacturers have gone all out to delight and surprise,” he said.
“Shoppers are always keen for something new, although traditional favourites never go out of style.”
Family-owned Haigh’s Chocolates, celebrating its 110th year in 2025, has released its largest ever Easter egg — the 1kg Super Milk Chocolate Egg.
Italian brand Ferrero is also celebrating a milestone — 50 years in Australia.
Its Lithgow factory in regional NSW opened in the ‘70s as the company’s first manufacturing site outside of Europe.
Among Ferrero’s Easter range is a milk chocolate and hazelnut squirrel reflecting the brand’s Nutella ingredients and available only at this time of year.
Like Haigh’s, Koko Black is also going for super-size, with its dark chocolate Biggest Bunny an impressive 500g.
Darrell Lea joins Whittaker’s and Haigh’s in supporting endangered species organisations at Easter.
The sale of Darrell Lea's Milk Chocolate Bilby benefits the Save The Bilby Fund, Haigh’s Easter Bilby supports Rabbit-Free Australia while 20c from every chocolate kiwi sold by fourth-generation New Zealand chocolatier Whittaker’s goes to Save the Kiwi.
Among Nestlé’s new Easter offerings are the Mini Bunny Hut chocolate building kit, hot cross bun-flavoured KitKats and Allen's Bunny Carrots lollies.
Meanwhile, Mondelēz International confectionery brand Cadbury Australia has gained inspiration from its popular Coconut Rough and Slices blocks to create new treats in bunny and egg form.
The Australian Industry Group is looking forward to celebrating the confectionery industry at ConTech2025 on Tuesday, May 6, in Melbourne.
The conference will feature a line-up of dynamic speakers sharing the latest industry information, as well as a trade exhibition, evening event featuring MC and comedian Dave O’Neil and a valuable opportunity to network.
Click here for more information and to register.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
