It was 1965 when Haigh's expanded from South Australia, opening its Collins Street store in Melbourne. This store still stands today, with Victorians just as eager to gobble up the decadent delights as their South Australian counterparts. What has been consistent throughout this process of expansion over the decades is the business' firm belief in controlling the supply to customers in order to ensure the utmost in quality. Alister agrees that this gives the company more control over how they present their offering, with their dedicated chocolate retail stores enticing a range of customers, young and old alike.

Only time will tell whether or not the company will remain a family business, although Alister is pragmatic about what future years hold. 'We hope that it will remain a family business, although, we've now gone to a size where we've got five non-family members in key positions, and they will effectively steer the path for the company for the next decade or so until the fifth generation is old enough, experienced enough and qualified enough to consider contributing'.

That said, it's an enviable industry to work in. Though major manufacturers capture a large portion of market share, that doesn't concern Alister. These manufacturers might have the economies of scale to push smaller players out of key distribution networks, but Alister knows that this is not what his company is about anyway.

He notes that the small players, like Haigh's, focus on a more niche market, capturing the hearts of chocolate connoisseurs and sweet-tooth individuals. 'When dad came into the business there were about 12 direct competitors. Now, we'd barely have two that are just chocolate retailers,' Alister says.