Fourth-generation chocolatier awarded confectionery prize

The boss of one of Australia’s homegrown chocolatiers was announced as the winner of a prestigious award at the Australian Industry Group's ConTech2024 confectionery industry event in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Alister Haigh, of Haigh's Chocolates, received the Alfred Stauder Award for Excellence for his outstanding contribution to the confectionery sector in Australia.

Haigh's great-grandfather, Alfred Haigh, established the business in 1915 and it fast became an Adelaide institution.

Tim Piper, Head of Ai Group's Confectionery Sector and Head of Victoria, said: "The Haigh family have been great contributors to the Australian confectionery industry, and Alister has ensured this influence and contribution have been maintained and continue to expand."

Haigh said he was humbled by the win.

"It's quite an honour to be recognised by the industry in this way," he said.

"There have been many people who have helped Haigh's to get to our current position, including my father, John, and brother, Simon.

"We have all been part of growing the business and making it a recognised part of South Australian manufacturing and developing our retail outlets."

Past recipients of the Alfred Stauder Award for Excellence include Jason Lea, of Darrell Lea; Tony Raponi, of Nestlé; Neil Smith, formerly of Mondelez; and John Borell, of GKC Foods.

Image caption: Alister Haigh, CEO of Haigh's (centre), poses with Tim Piper, Australian Industry Group – Confectionery Head (left) and his wife, Sue Haigh (right).