For more than 110 years, Haigh's Chocolates has delighted Australians while remaining proudly family-owned, manufacturing locally and resisting the lure of supermarket shelves.
James H Stewart sits down with fourth-generation family leader Alister Haigh to explore the remarkable story behind one of Australia's most respected premium brands.
After leading Haigh's Chocolates for almost three decades as CEO, Alister recently stepped aside, handing the reins to the company's first non-family chief executive. Together, James and Alister discuss what it takes to preserve a family legacy while continuing to evolve in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing retail landscape.
They explore:
• How Haigh's Chocolates has grown from a small Adelaide business into a nationally recognised premium brand over 110 years.
• The unique challenges of leading a fourth-generation family business.
• Why succession planning may be the most important decision any family business will ever make.
• The appointment of Haigh's first non-family CEO and the governance lessons behind that decision.
• Why Haigh's has deliberately stayed out of supermarkets despite intense competition.
• Building and protecting a premium brand in a commoditised market.
• Consumer behaviour, changing chocolate consumption trends and the future of premium retail.
• How Haigh's responded to unprecedented increases in global cocoa prices.
• The strategic thinking behind the company's $130 million investment in advanced Australian manufacturing.
• Leadership, stewardship and the responsibility of leaving a business stronger for the next generation.
Whether you lead a family business, work in retail, manufacture products in Australia or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind iconic Australian brands, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, long-term thinking and building enduring competitive advantage.
A special thank you to the Family Business Association of Australia and New Zealand for sponsoring this episode. The FBA supports family businesses through education, networking, advocacy and governance, helping business families thrive across generations.
Connect with James Stewart
Website: https://jameshstewart.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatilearnedinbusiness/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatILearnedInBusiness
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Disclaimer
The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or any organisation with which they are associated. This podcast is intended for general information and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, legal, investment or professional advice. Listeners should obtain independent professional advice relevant to their own circumstances before making business or financial decisions.
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