Our Story

Robert Rood has spent 25 years making fine fudge and Belgian chocolate.  Born and raised in Wellington, with parents from Dutch descent they started Dorothy Patisserie, Chocolaterie, and Coffee House. Influenced by his parent’s careers Robert obtained a degree as a Patisserier and a Chocolaterie.

At the age of 18 he moved to Holland to complete his studies and work in the top Patisseries, making Chocolate for Queen Beatrice.

A move to Nelson in 2003 was imminent with his wife Jacqueline Marries into children Amyllia (six) and Ellisha (nine).  The love of Nelson, the passion in them some pleasure in making chocolate, established the Cocoa concept. Jacqueline resigned as a registered nurse in 2005 after 15 years in the trade to concentrate on and help expand the Cocoa shops.

COCOA “The Heart of Chocolate” –  Richmond mall, Nelson opened on Monday, 17th of March, 2005.

The branding of chocolate brown hair and a light Khaki colour originated from the colour (brown) and the colour of a Cocoa bean (khaki).  Coco and being the ingredient of chocolate, hence “The Heart of Chocolate”. 

The Logo originated from many different ideas and feedback on this.  The silver fern is important aspect with the wording Nelson made underneath.  Cocoa “The Heart of Chocolate” incorporates the Kiwiana theme in its flavours, shapes and Packaging of its fine Belgium chocolates.  Nelson made represent an exceptional demographic area of arts and crafts.

Cocoa is proud to the present Nelson intend crafted fudge chocolates.  Many Cocoa products have been sold and given as gifts for rear New Zealand in overseas i.e.  America, Australia, Japan in, showing Nelson on the Map.

Continuing the branding – large pictures of broken up chocolate, and gateaux and our children eating chocolate are included around the logo in both shops. Rimu wood is a theme in both shops, with cabinets custom made to easily display the products.