Luke Owen Smith

Guest writer

Luke Owen Smith has been an advocate for the craft chocolate industry for the past 10 years. He's hosted talks and tastings across the country, judged at a variety of chocolate awards, and he writes about chocolate (and beer) for a variety of publications.

Mike Renfree on the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea; Raglan Chocolate being made (Photos: Supplied)

Is this the start of New Zealand’s craft chocolate boom?

Raglan Chocolate is part of a growing scene of small scale 'bean-to-bar' producers bridging the gaps between farmers, chocolate makers and consumers.

By Luke Owen Smith | 16th January, 2024

Image: Archi Banal

I’m a chocolate judge – this is what I do

Yes, it's as fun as it sounds, but it's also harder than you might think.

By Luke Owen Smith | 1st May, 2023

Image: Archi Banal

What does it take to say your chocolate is ‘handcrafted’?

A lot of people don't realise that very few companies actually make chocolate from scratch.

By Luke Owen Smith | 11th March, 2023

New Zealand’s most bliss-inducing craft chocolate

New Zealand’s most bliss-inducing craft chocolate

This must be what heaven tastes like.

By Luke Owen Smith | 9th December, 2022