About Us

Our Story

The original Peanut Marble chocolate started over a decade ago among family and friends enjoying a special occasion; it was during Christmas time that this product was born as little Christmas gifts to show love and gratitude.

Only a few years later, when the family moved to New Zealand, the idea of starting a business took place. In December 2012, we were invited to help a friend sell her Christmas cross-stitch artwork at a local craft show.  We had the idea to bring along some bags of the Peanut Marble to help draw attention to the stall. Less than an hour later, we sold 45 bags of chocolate. That was our first taste of what joy our chocolate gives to people other than our family and friends. Seeing people’s reactions when they sampled their first bite was fantastic. That feeling gave us such a buzz and encouraged us to start a new business venture here in Waikato.

In 2021, we relaunched the business under the name AraBello® Ltd. The name came after many months of trying many name variations. Finally, we felt the name AraBello® represents us and the product we are presenting to our customers and the world. The name reflects the family’s Mediterranean and European background. The part ‘Ara” means: ‘I see’ in Arabic. The second part, ‘Bello’, means ‘beautiful’ in Italian. So, the combination means: I see beauty. Cool, eh?

Furthermore, the product name needed to have the word ‘peanut’ loud and clear as a consideration for people with peanut allergies. The word ‘marble’ has premium and rich connotations and the exotic feel of old Mediterranean countries. As for the slogan ‘it’s simply magic®’, it represents the minimal ingredients that create the magical flavour.

In July 2023, the Raspberry Marble was launched to complement the Peanut version. It is already in high demand among our valued customers. 

At AraBello®, we believe in creating small pieces of everyday joy. After years of sharing our handcrafted chocolate with family and friends, we’re now inviting all Kiwis to taste the magical moment that occurs when simple ingredients are perfectly combined.

We can’t wait to share AraBello® chocolate with you. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to reach the hearts of many people who deserve that ‘magical moment’. Especially with the global economic crisis we are facing, there is a need to feel hope and for everyone to know they can allow themselves a special time in their life.

Our Vision

Our vision is to partner with New Zealand businesses, producers, and manufacturers. We want to be part of New Zealand’s economic growth and generate more work opportunities for all.

Sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices resonates with the environmentally conscious consumers increasingly seeking ethically produced and responsible products. By emphasizing eco-friendly packaging, responsible sourcing of ingredients, and waste reduction, AraBello® chocolate sets itself apart as a purpose-driven brand with a genuine commitment to the environment and society.

Sustainability is one of our top priorities. The raw materials and packaging are sourced with fair trade and climate change in mind. It took us a while, but we were able to source all of our packaging to be fully recyclable and PEFC certified.

By working closely with Hamilton and Waikato Council, we also ensure our waste management is on the right track and processed correctly.

Social Considerations

Because we believe everyone deserves a magical moment in their life, especially during hardship, we decided to support Te Whakaruruhau (Waikato Women’s Refuge) by continuously donating to the local office and providing gift boxes to the staff at Christmas. 

We also donate our product to other charities, social, and business events happening in the region.

Awards

  • International
    • Awarded first place in the Artisan category at ‘The World Food Innovation Awards 2023’ – March 2023
    • Awarded second place in the New/Start-up category at ‘The World Food Innovation Awards 2023’ – March 2023
  • National
    • Awarded gold at ‘The NZ Artisan Award’ – October 2022
    • Awarded silver at ‘The Outstanding NZ Food Producer Award’ – August 2022

Certification

  • Fully recyclable outer packaging as well as the inner gold and silver wrapping foil. 
  •  FSC International Standard Trademarks Certificate

Product Locations

  1. Local Waikato and Bay of Plenty presence at:
  2.  Direct sales to businesses – B2B: Corporate companies and Real Estate Agents
  3. Personalized Labels for weddings and special events.
  4. On-line shop @ www.arabello.co.nz