We at the Seniors Discount Club are always saddened when we learn that yet another cherished brand or company has found itself in dire straits, and unfortunately, this time, it's Australia's oldest chocolate company, Ernest Hillier Chocolates, has succumbed to the pressures.

The Melbourne-based business, famous for creating more than 600 indulgent chocolate products, announced that they'd fallen into voluntary administration—again—as they struggled to keep up with rising operating costs.

Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners have been appointed as voluntary administrators for Chocolate & Confectionery Company Pty Ltd, the corporation that owns Ernest Hillier Chocolates.

Walker sympathised with the situation, stating, 'It's unfortunate such a storied chocolate manufacturer has encountered distress amid rising operating costs, but we are working with all stakeholders to do everything possible to save this iconic brand.'

He added, 'We are working closely with all affected parties as we move with urgency to understand the business' affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.'

Australia's oldest chocolate company has collapsed into voluntary administration. Credit: Facebook/Ernest Hillier.

The news means that all manufacturing will halt, and around 60 employees will be stood down effective immediately. This marks the second time the company has gone bust in recent years.

In January 2015, the company had already found itself in dire straits when its previous owners went into voluntary administration, blaming rising cocoa prices and increased competition. However, after several months, they were able to emerge from that situation mostly unscathed.

Compared to other popular chocolate companies like Cadbury or Mars, Ernest Hillier Chocolates holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians due to its rich history and commitment to quality. It has also significantly impacted the local economy, providing various job opportunities and benefiting local suppliers.

Ernest Hillier Chocolates was founded in 1914 by Ernest Hillier—a young man from England who embarked on a remarkable journey that would establish him as one of Australia's pioneers in the art of chocolate making.

Leaving behind the familiar shores of the old world, Ernest ventured into the promising lands of the new. His initial destination was San Francisco, where he ambitiously set up a series of restaurants.

However, fate dealt a cruel blow as the devastating 1906 earthquake decimated his business empire. Undeterred, Ernest boldly decided to uproot his family and belongings, seeking fresh opportunities in Sydney, Australia.

It was in Sydney that Ernest unveiled his culinary talents and passion for chocolate. He inaugurated a Soda Shop, the birthplace of his first delectable creations. Recognising the potential for growth in Melbourne, a city flourishing with the allure of gold, Ernest relocated there to forge his path.

With sheer determination, Ernest established the renowned Hillier's Confectionary Company, famous for their exquisite couverture chocolates. Thus commenced the enduring legacy of the oldest operating confectioner in Australia.

Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.​

It's fascinating to think about how far Ernest Hillier Chocolates has come and how much it has endured. To think that such a long-standing, iconic brand may soon become nothing but a memory is genuinely disheartening.

As the old saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.' However, here at SDC, we're ever the optimists and hope that Ernest Hillier Chocolates will find a way to rise like a phoenix from the ashes once more. After all, life is always a little sweeter with an indulgent bite of chocolate, wouldn't you agree?

Key Takeaways

• Ernest Hillier Chocolates, Australia's oldest chocolate company, has collapsed into voluntary administration for the second time.
• The Melbourne-based business, manufacturing over 600 chocolate products, has struggled with rising operating costs.
• Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners were appointed voluntary administrators to manage the company's affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.
• This collapse will result in the ceasing of all manufacturing and around 60 employees being stood down effective immediately.

Members, let's hear from you! What are your favourite memories of Ernest Hillier Chocolates, and how do you feel about the current situation? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Gsr]

Sad to hear another old Australian company is ? Going out of business. Feel sorry for the workers who will be affected and anyone else associated with the business who will lose money.

 

[maurice wildish]

We at the Seniors Discount Club are always saddened when we learn that yet another cherished brand or company has found itself in dire straits, and unfortunately, this time, it's Australia's oldest chocolate company, Ernest Hillier Chocolates, has succumbed to the pressures.

The Melbourne-based business, famous for creating more than 600 indulgent chocolate products, announced that they'd fallen into voluntary administration—again—as they struggled to keep up with rising operating costs.

Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners have been appointed as voluntary administrators for Chocolate & Confectionery Company Pty Ltd, the corporation that owns Ernest Hillier Chocolates.

Walker sympathised with the situation, stating, 'It's unfortunate such a storied chocolate manufacturer has encountered distress amid rising operating costs, but we are working with all stakeholders to do everything possible to save this iconic brand.'

He added, 'We are working closely with all affected parties as we move with urgency to understand the business' affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.'

View attachment 23021

Australia's oldest chocolate company has collapsed into voluntary administration. Credit: Facebook/Ernest Hillier.

The news means that all manufacturing will halt, and around 60 employees will be stood down effective immediately. This marks the second time the company has gone bust in recent years.

In January 2015, the company had already found itself in dire straits when its previous owners went into voluntary administration, blaming rising cocoa prices and increased competition. However, after several months, they were able to emerge from that situation mostly unscathed.

Compared to other popular chocolate companies like Cadbury or Mars, Ernest Hillier Chocolates holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians due to its rich history and commitment to quality. It has also significantly impacted the local economy, providing various job opportunities and benefiting local suppliers.

Ernest Hillier Chocolates was founded in 1914 by Ernest Hillier—a young man from England who embarked on a remarkable journey that would establish him as one of Australia's pioneers in the art of chocolate making.

Leaving behind the familiar shores of the old world, Ernest ventured into the promising lands of the new. His initial destination was San Francisco, where he ambitiously set up a series of restaurants.

However, fate dealt a cruel blow as the devastating 1906 earthquake decimated his business empire. Undeterred, Ernest boldly decided to uproot his family and belongings, seeking fresh opportunities in Sydney, Australia.

It was in Sydney that Ernest unveiled his culinary talents and passion for chocolate. He inaugurated a Soda Shop, the birthplace of his first delectable creations. Recognising the potential for growth in Melbourne, a city flourishing with the allure of gold, Ernest relocated there to forge his path.

With sheer determination, Ernest established the renowned Hillier's Confectionary Company, famous for their exquisite couverture chocolates. Thus commenced the enduring legacy of the oldest operating confectioner in Australia.

Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.​

It's fascinating to think about how far Ernest Hillier Chocolates has come and how much it has endured. To think that such a long-standing, iconic brand may soon become nothing but a memory is genuinely disheartening.

As the old saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.' However, here at SDC, we're ever the optimists and hope that Ernest Hillier Chocolates will find a way to rise like a phoenix from the ashes once more. After all, life is always a little sweeter with an indulgent bite of chocolate, wouldn't you agree?

Key Takeaways

• Ernest Hillier Chocolates, Australia's oldest chocolate company, has collapsed into voluntary administration for the second time.
• The Melbourne-based business, manufacturing over 600 chocolate products, has struggled with rising operating costs.
• Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners were appointed voluntary administrators to manage the company's affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.
• This collapse will result in the ceasing of all manufacturing and around 60 employees being stood down effective immediately.

Members, let's hear from you! What are your favourite memories of Ernest Hillier Chocolates, and how do you feel about the current situation? Let us know in the comments below.

Hmmmm very sad, i worked at RedTulip chocolates many years ago, and enjoyed the challanges, businesses has, today is worse and it is hoped that the beautiful chocolate Hillier produced will be able to be continued, so we can enjoy the beautiful products with the possibility continueing the company with some wealthy group continueing on, maurice wildish

 

[Kelpie]

We at the Seniors Discount Club are always saddened when we learn that yet another cherished brand or company has found itself in dire straits, and unfortunately, this time, it's Australia's oldest chocolate company, Ernest Hillier Chocolates, has succumbed to the pressures.

The Melbourne-based business, famous for creating more than 600 indulgent chocolate products, announced that they'd fallen into voluntary administration—again—as they struggled to keep up with rising operating costs.

Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners have been appointed as voluntary administrators for Chocolate & Confectionery Company Pty Ltd, the corporation that owns Ernest Hillier Chocolates.

Walker sympathised with the situation, stating, 'It's unfortunate such a storied chocolate manufacturer has encountered distress amid rising operating costs, but we are working with all stakeholders to do everything possible to save this iconic brand.'

He added, 'We are working closely with all affected parties as we move with urgency to understand the business' affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.'

View attachment 23021

Australia's oldest chocolate company has collapsed into voluntary administration. Credit: Facebook/Ernest Hillier.

The news means that all manufacturing will halt, and around 60 employees will be stood down effective immediately. This marks the second time the company has gone bust in recent years.

In January 2015, the company had already found itself in dire straits when its previous owners went into voluntary administration, blaming rising cocoa prices and increased competition. However, after several months, they were able to emerge from that situation mostly unscathed.

Compared to other popular chocolate companies like Cadbury or Mars, Ernest Hillier Chocolates holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians due to its rich history and commitment to quality. It has also significantly impacted the local economy, providing various job opportunities and benefiting local suppliers.

Ernest Hillier Chocolates was founded in 1914 by Ernest Hillier—a young man from England who embarked on a remarkable journey that would establish him as one of Australia's pioneers in the art of chocolate making.

Leaving behind the familiar shores of the old world, Ernest ventured into the promising lands of the new. His initial destination was San Francisco, where he ambitiously set up a series of restaurants.

However, fate dealt a cruel blow as the devastating 1906 earthquake decimated his business empire. Undeterred, Ernest boldly decided to uproot his family and belongings, seeking fresh opportunities in Sydney, Australia.

It was in Sydney that Ernest unveiled his culinary talents and passion for chocolate. He inaugurated a Soda Shop, the birthplace of his first delectable creations. Recognising the potential for growth in Melbourne, a city flourishing with the allure of gold, Ernest relocated there to forge his path.

With sheer determination, Ernest established the renowned Hillier's Confectionary Company, famous for their exquisite couverture chocolates. Thus commenced the enduring legacy of the oldest operating confectioner in Australia.

Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.​

It's fascinating to think about how far Ernest Hillier Chocolates has come and how much it has endured. To think that such a long-standing, iconic brand may soon become nothing but a memory is genuinely disheartening.

As the old saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.' However, here at SDC, we're ever the optimists and hope that Ernest Hillier Chocolates will find a way to rise like a phoenix from the ashes once more. After all, life is always a little sweeter with an indulgent bite of chocolate, wouldn't you agree?

Key Takeaways

• Ernest Hillier Chocolates, Australia's oldest chocolate company, has collapsed into voluntary administration for the second time.
• The Melbourne-based business, manufacturing over 600 chocolate products, has struggled with rising operating costs.
• Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners were appointed voluntary administrators to manage the company's affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.
• This collapse will result in the ceasing of all manufacturing and around 60 employees being stood down effective immediately.

Members, let's hear from you! What are your favourite memories of Ernest Hillier Chocolates, and how do you feel about the current situation? Let us know in the comments below.

Rising costs and extremely high and constantly rising power prices are IMHO the culprit here and might be the fall of many other companies. Many don't realise that fuel and transport prices are the major problem facing these businesses which have to compete with multinationals. When fuel prices are raising everything else will follow.
Sad, very sad indeed.

 

[Littleboy8]

We at the Seniors Discount Club are always saddened when we learn that yet another cherished brand or company has found itself in dire straits, and unfortunately, this time, it's Australia's oldest chocolate company, Ernest Hillier Chocolates, has succumbed to the pressures.

The Melbourne-based business, famous for creating more than 600 indulgent chocolate products, announced that they'd fallen into voluntary administration—again—as they struggled to keep up with rising operating costs.

Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners have been appointed as voluntary administrators for Chocolate & Confectionery Company Pty Ltd, the corporation that owns Ernest Hillier Chocolates.

Walker sympathised with the situation, stating, 'It's unfortunate such a storied chocolate manufacturer has encountered distress amid rising operating costs, but we are working with all stakeholders to do everything possible to save this iconic brand.'

He added, 'We are working closely with all affected parties as we move with urgency to understand the business' affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.'

View attachment 23021

Australia's oldest chocolate company has collapsed into voluntary administration. Credit: Facebook/Ernest Hillier.

The news means that all manufacturing will halt, and around 60 employees will be stood down effective immediately. This marks the second time the company has gone bust in recent years.

In January 2015, the company had already found itself in dire straits when its previous owners went into voluntary administration, blaming rising cocoa prices and increased competition. However, after several months, they were able to emerge from that situation mostly unscathed.

Compared to other popular chocolate companies like Cadbury or Mars, Ernest Hillier Chocolates holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians due to its rich history and commitment to quality. It has also significantly impacted the local economy, providing various job opportunities and benefiting local suppliers.

Ernest Hillier Chocolates was founded in 1914 by Ernest Hillier—a young man from England who embarked on a remarkable journey that would establish him as one of Australia's pioneers in the art of chocolate making.

Leaving behind the familiar shores of the old world, Ernest ventured into the promising lands of the new. His initial destination was San Francisco, where he ambitiously set up a series of restaurants.

However, fate dealt a cruel blow as the devastating 1906 earthquake decimated his business empire. Undeterred, Ernest boldly decided to uproot his family and belongings, seeking fresh opportunities in Sydney, Australia.

It was in Sydney that Ernest unveiled his culinary talents and passion for chocolate. He inaugurated a Soda Shop, the birthplace of his first delectable creations. Recognising the potential for growth in Melbourne, a city flourishing with the allure of gold, Ernest relocated there to forge his path.

With sheer determination, Ernest established the renowned Hillier's Confectionary Company, famous for their exquisite couverture chocolates. Thus commenced the enduring legacy of the oldest operating confectioner in Australia.

Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.


Credit: ErnestHillier.​

It's fascinating to think about how far Ernest Hillier Chocolates has come and how much it has endured. To think that such a long-standing, iconic brand may soon become nothing but a memory is genuinely disheartening.

As the old saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.' However, here at SDC, we're ever the optimists and hope that Ernest Hillier Chocolates will find a way to rise like a phoenix from the ashes once more. After all, life is always a little sweeter with an indulgent bite of chocolate, wouldn't you agree?

Key Takeaways

• Ernest Hillier Chocolates, Australia's oldest chocolate company, has collapsed into voluntary administration for the second time.
• The Melbourne-based business, manufacturing over 600 chocolate products, has struggled with rising operating costs.
• Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners were appointed voluntary administrators to manage the company's affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.
• This collapse will result in the ceasing of all manufacturing and around 60 employees being stood down effective immediately.

Members, let's hear from you! What are your favourite memories of Ernest Hillier Chocolates, and how do you feel about the current situation? Let us know in the comments below.

Noooooo way! I used to love there chocolates and Easter eggs! What a shame! Can’t afford them now! Memories!

 

[Esma Rose]

Whenever I think of seeing a show @ The Regent Theatre I immediately think of the shop on the right hand side in the theatre selling a gorgeous array of Chocs in red containers, which I am going to score from my beautiful husband. All those shows, all those chocolates. Miracles DO happen. None of us give up. Think positive.

 

[Ezzy]

I wonder how many more of our favourites will succumb to ever soaring operating costs before the country breaks out of the downward spiral we appear to be in? Some have even gone overseas to survive.

Higher costs = business decline = unemployment = less jobs = more people claiming Unemployment Benefits = less spending = higher interest rates = which equates to higher costs for production = which in turn causes.......... This is an ever recurring circle isn't it? The big question is:- What is our Federal Government doing about this problem?

 

[Kelpie]

I wonder how many more of our favourites will succumb to ever soaring operating costs before the country breaks out of the downward spiral we appear to be in? Some have even gone overseas to survive.

Higher costs = business decline = unemployment = less jobs = more people claiming Unemployment Benefits = less spending = higher interest rates = which equates to higher costs for production = which in turn causes.......... This is an ever recurring circle isn't it? The big question is:- What is our Federal Government doing about this problem?

Sorry to tell you but.................Very very little. All they care for is looking after their own careers.
With my power bill going up about 30% or a little more even after promises that they were going to reduce the power costs and giving us all $275.00, what is there to say.?

 

[happynhealthy]

Whenever I think of seeing a show @ The Regent Theatre I immediately think of the shop on the right hand side in the theatre selling a gorgeous array of Chocs in red containers, which I am going to score from my beautiful husband. All those shows, all those chocolates. Miracles DO happen. None of us give up. Think positive.

That was my first thought as well. What a special treat it was to not only buy the chocs there but also the other available special drinks.The best part of going to the pictures. Many years ago. Plus I worked at the Athenaeum library on the opposite side of the road and could dash in on my way home and when we had an afternoon shift end.