Award winning SCHOC CHOCOLATE is integral to the comeback of Wairarapa’s Greytown, a success story built on historic preservation, creativity and flair. Murray Langham, owner of Schoc chocolate (thus Greytown’s own Willy Wonka), is one of the pioneers who breathed life back into Greytown at a time when, like many New Zealand rural towns, it was struggling for survival.
The former Wellingtonian moved to Greytown in the 1990s, attracted by the, “cheap rents,” and to write his book, ‘CHOCOLATE THERAPY.’ Today, the qualified Culinary Judge, hypnotherapist, counsellor and neuro-linguist programmer (who did a stint at Harrods London as a chef), employs nine people and – in response to Schoc Chocolate’s success – has opened a second store in Wellington. Schoc’s flavourings are organic (where ’s possible) and sourced locally. No preservatives are used – only whole and real flavours. Murray sees his chocolates, which have appeared on New Zealand, British, and Australian cooking shows, not as something to stuff in your gob, but as a means to get to know yourself.

“Food is therapy,” says Murray, “We combine the joy and health benefits of consuming quality chocolate with a deeper understanding of one’s inner self.” He notes the flavours his clients pick reflect their personality. And with 85 flavours (the shop is a scented forest of lavender, chilli and exotic spices), there is bound to be a chocolate perfect for everyone – “from classic strawberry to
heavenly caramel to the more challenging – and hugely popular whole lime and chilli, sea salt, pink peppercorn” – each of which are packaged in their distinctive pouches.

Schoc Chocolate is an ideal corporate gift (and can include your own logo), as well as for weddings, and of course romance, but can also facilitate connections to one’s own inner self – ideally
while in a cosy bed, reading a good book, with a curled up cat nearby and the night rain falling outside.

SCHOC CHOCOLATE IS AVAILABLE FROM;
177 Main St, Greytown & 31 Waring Taylor St, Wellington AND Pomeroys′ Coffee & Tea Company, Nelson Wildflower Botanical, Kaikoura Ballantynes, Christchurch Riverstone Kitchen, Oamaru
Everyday Gourmet, Dunedin.