Chocolate On Purpose

Fiona Harrison is the visionary founder of Chocolate On Purpose, a company that goes beyond creating delicious chocolates—it’s a vehicle for Cultural storytelling, Reconciliation, and social impact. A proud Wiradjuri woman from the central tablelands of New South Wales, Fiona’s journey to entrepreneurship is as rich and complex as the chocolate she crafts. Her story began in the face of deep personal trauma. Fiona, a survivor of PTSD following an armed robbery, found healing through the natural properties of Australian native botanicals. Her exploration into Aromatic Medicine sparked a unique idea: why not merge her training as a chocolatier with these therapeutic botanicals to create something that’s both indulgent and healing? In 2013, Chocolate On Purpose was born out of this vision. But it quickly became much more than a hobby or side hustle—it grew into Australia’s first Indigenous-owned chocolate company, disrupting both the artisan chocolate and native botanical markets. Fiona’s products, like her Bush Food Chocolate line, use ingredients such as Quandong, Finger Lime, and Davidson Plum, which have been used for centuries in Indigenous wisdom for their health benefits. Her work also addresses larger systemic issues. The global chocolate industry is plagued with ethical concerns, including child labour and environmental degradation. Chocolate On Purpose stands out by sourcing ethically-grown, palm-oil-free chocolate and supporting sustainable farming practices that aim to mitigate these problems. Beyond that, Fiona is on a mission to build an Indigenous-led supply chain, working directly with Indigenous Australian farmers to create financial equity and representation in the native food industry. Her chocolate isn’t just about taste; it’s about creating meaningful connections. Each product carries a story—whether it’s the use of Wiradjuri language on packaging or the integration of Cultural immersive experiences like her Indigenous Chocolate Tasting events. Through these, Fiona educates non-Indigenous Australians about Indigenous history and promotes truth-telling and healing from Australia’s genocidal past. Despite numerous challenges—ranging from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic to the emotional toll of the 2023 Australian National Referendum—Fiona’s business has thrived. She has received multiple accolades for her entrepreneurial spirit, including being a keynote speaker at major events and forming partnerships with prominent Australian corporations. Today, Chocolate On Purpose is not just a company; it’s a movement—a legacy Fiona is building for future generations. By fusing Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and social impact, Fiona Harrison is redefining what it means to create chocolate with a purpose. Her legacy will be Chocolate For Good™.