Boutique Montville brand unwraps franchise plan

Montville-based specialty retailer Chocolate Country has announced plans to franchise, opening the door to five new locations across Queensland over the coming year.

The boutique chocolate business, which has operated in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for more than three decades, is offering what it calls “Five Golden Franchise” opportunities — a reference to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — in a move co-owners Julie and Paul Walters describe as both strategic and long overdue.

“Our focus has always been on quality and control,” said Julie, head chocolatier at Chocolate Country. “By keeping our production and retail operations entirely in-house, we’ve been able to protect the integrity of the brand and the calibre of our product.”

Small-batch, handmade chocolates

Chocolate Country produces a wide range of small-batch handmade chocolates using premium Belgian couverture. The business employs 13 local staff and has resisted the common retail model of wholesaling, instead choosing to build a destination brand that has become synonymous with Montville’s artisan charm.

“We’re not looking for volume,” said Paul. “We’re looking for franchise partners who believe in what we do — who want to grow with us while maintaining the standards that have built our reputation.”

The company recently invested in an expanded production facility, which will enable it to supply a limited number of exclusive franchise territories. Franchisees will receive product training and full support from the Chocolate Country head office.

“This is an exciting new chapter for us,” said Julie. “It’s a chance to bring a genuine artisan chocolate experience to more communities — and to do it with people who share our passion. 

This way we can introduce more people to true quality chocolate products.”

• Expressions of interest are now open, and a prospectus is available via email: sales@chocolatecountry.com.au

Head chocolatier Julie Walters is ready to share Chocolate Country’s sweet success story with new franchise partners.