The inaugural Australian Rural Business Awards has awarded Indigenous chocolate company, Chocolate On Purpose, Indigenous Business of the Year.
Chocolate On Purpose combines premium, gourmet chocolate with Australian native botanicals in its Bush Food Chocolate range, sharing the traditional use of botanicals to deepen respect for ancient First Nations’ wisdom and culture.
Founder and CEO Fiona Harrison said she was excited and humbled by the award.
“I was humbled when I heard I’d been nominated as a finalist, as it meant despite the busy lives we all lead, my customers had taken the time to nominate me. When I was announced the winner I was speechless.
"As a sole entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel alone while you fang around working to get everything done so you don’t disappoint your customers and also keep everything afloat.
"This nomination, and now this win, have affirmed that the mission of my business is appreciated and valued,” said Harrison.
During recovery from complex PTSD, Harrison discovered essential oils and the power of botanical essences for healing.
Just as her ancestors did, Harrison said she realised the traditional and cultural importance of these botanicals. She embarked on finding a way to share the healing properties of botanicals and Chocolate on Purpose was born.
The company considers itself a disruptor in the artisan specialty chocolate market, delivering real industry impact by empowering Australia’s First Nations and world cacao farmers to have greater participation in supply chains, while contributing to reconciliation in Australia through storytelling with chocolate.
The Australian Rural Business Awards were developed by Spend With Us, an online marketplace for rural and regional small businesses.
Spend With Us founders Jenn Donovan and Sarah Britz said they launched the awards to recognise the strength and resilience of small business owners in rural and regional areas who have, in the last few years alone, gone through droughts, bushfires, mouse plagues, floods, lack of tourism, and a global pandemic.
They said they were overwhelmed by the response to the awards.
“There is nothing that gives us greater joy than seeing businesses from the bush succeed and to see their passion and determination shine through. We’re also so thankful to our amazing sponsors who have also been inspired by many of our winners journeys”, said Donovan and Britz.
