Nestled in the historic town of Richmond, Tasmania, is a vineyard and chocolate factory with a curious name – Every Man and His Dog. It’s home to Federation Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate business with a big heart and a mission to change the way we experience chocolate.

At the helm is founder Maurice Curtis, a passionate chocolatier who’s turned his love of ethical chocolate into a thriving regional business and a destination in its own right.

Now a finalist in the 2025 Regional Heroes competition, Federation Chocolate is all about chocolate that tells a story, and it’s a tale that starts long before the first bite.

From chocolate fan to bean-bar boss

Federation Chocolate wasn’t born overnight.

“It began with a deep passion for chocolate – not just eating it, but understanding its origins, how it’s made, and the people behind it,” Maurice explains. “We didn’t just want to sell chocolate. We wanted to change the way people experience it.”

The aha moment came when Maurice and his partner realised they could build a business that celebrated Tassie’s rich food culture, brought joy to people, and supported cacao farmers around the world. That idea quickly turned into action, and Federation Chocolate was born.

But Maurice wasn’t just interested in selling sweet treats. He saw a gap in the market for “truly ethical, traceable chocolate being made locally. Chocolate that celebrated the origins of the cacao while also showcasing Tasmanian craftsmanship.”

The result? A hands-on, full-circle chocolate-making experience that takes visitors from bean to bar, with plenty of delicious pit stops along the way.

Image supplied

Chocolate with heart and hustle

Like many regional entrepreneurs, Maurice has had to get creative to overcome the hurdles that come with operating outside a major metro hub.

“Supply chain delays, attracting staff, and reaching national and international customers from a regional base have all been significant challenges,” he shares.

Nut Maurice hasn’t let the challenges get him down. Instead he’s taken and inventive approach to gorwth leaning into what makes the business uniqueby offering immersive experiences and forging connections with their community.

The straegy has paid off. Federation Chocolate now has a loyal following that extends far beyond Richmond.

“Word of mouth has been one of our greatest assets,” Maurice says. “When someone has a meaningful experience with us, they share it – and those personal recommendations have helped our story travel far and wide.”

Chocolate that connects

It’s not just customers who are feeling the love. Federation Chocolate has had a huge ripple effect across its local community. From boosting tourism and creating jobs, to supporting local musos with regular music nights, and educating kids about sustainability and ethical production.

“We’ve created local jobs, supported regional tourism, and collaborated with other Tasmanian producers to strengthen our local food economy,” Maurice says. “We’re proud to pass on artisan chocolate-making methods and keep traditional craft alive in regional Australia.”

One of the proudest moments for Maurice? Launching their new cellar door and chocolate factory at Every Man and His Dog. “It marked the realisation of a long-held dream and a bold step forward for our business and brand.”

Image supplied

The Tassie way of doing things

Ask Maurice what makes regional life so special, and the answer’s instant. “The connection to our community and the land. We love the space, the slower pace, and the opportunity to build something meaningful surrounded by nature.”

Being based in Richmond hasn’t just shaped the way Federation Chocolate runs, it’s embedded in every element of the business.

“It’s made us more grounded, more personal, and more resilient,” Maurice says. “We’ve learned to do more with less, build strong local relationships, and keep our values front and centre – from sustainability to storytelling.”

Advice from the chocolate frontlines

For anyone toying with the idea of starting a regional business, Maurice is full of encouragement: “Regional life offers huge opportunities if you lean into your community, build strong connections, and stay flexible. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”

As for the future? Things are looking sweet. Federation Chocolate is expanding its Coatibles™ range, launching new chocolate experiences, growing its export presence, and completing its new cellar door and education centre. In Maurice’s words: “Watch this space!”

Image supplied

Regional Heroes: A well-deserved nod

Being named a finalist in the 2025 Regional Heroes competition is more than a feather in the cap for Maurice and his crew. It’s a big moment of recognition for years of hard graft and heart.

“It’s a huge honour. We pour our hearts into what we do, and to be recognised alongside other incredible regional businesses means the world,” Maurice says. “This recognition isn’t just about us – it’s about our small, dedicated team who work hard every day to make the experiences we offer authentic, personal, and meaningful.”

Want a taste?

You can find Federation Chocolate online at federationchocolate.com or follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook @federationchocolate. Better yet, pop by the cellar door at 1314 Richmond Road, Richmond, Tasmania – and see (and taste) the magic for yourself.

Cast your vote!

Voting is now on for the Business Builders 2025 Regional Heroes competition in partnership with Vodafone Business. Now’s the time to show your support. Just head to the voting page, click on your favourite Regional Hero and hit the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.

Voting closes 11:59 PM Monday, 21 July.

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Business Builders on Facebook , X , Instagram , and LinkedIn