Chocolate has long been cherished for its rich, smooth taste and ability to elevate desserts and candies. When paired with licorice, it creates a unique blend of deep cocoa notes and bold, aromatic sweetness, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous confectionery lovers. This combination has inspired a range of treats that offer both comfort and excitement, making chocolate-filled licorice a standout in the world of sweets. RJ’s Licorice is renowned for its signature soft texture and vibrant flavours, from classic black licorice to inventive chocolate-filled varieties. Produced in Levin, New Zealand, each confection is crafted to deliver a satisfying, melt-in-the-mouth experience—whether it’s a chewy licorice twist, a chocolate-coated bullet, or the legendary Licorice Choc Log. RJ’s has become a household name, delighting sweet lovers across the country and internationally with its playful combinations and commitment to quality. The brand’s portfolio includes everything from licorice balls to fizzy mashups, each designed to spark joy and satisfy cravings.
A Homegrown Story of Sweet Ambition and Global Success
The RJ’s journey began in 1995 with a father and son duo, Roger Halliwell and Regan James (the “RJ” in RJ’s), who believed New Zealand deserved a better licorice. With a small factory in Levin and a big vision, the pair set out to create licorice that was softer, smoother, and more flavourful than anything on the shelves. Within three years, RJ’s had become the leading licorice brand in New Zealand. Since then, RJ’s has continued to push the boundaries of confectionery, expanding its product line to include household favourites like Mackintosh’s, Fabulicious, and Oddfellows, and even reviving the iconic Black Knight licorice range. Through decades of growth and success, the brand has remained true to its roots—crafting imaginative, high-quality sweets in a small town with big dreams and even bigger heart.
Confectionery Crafted With Purpose—for People and Planet
At RJ’s, flavour and fun go hand in hand with responsibility. The brand is deeply committed to reducing its environmental impact without compromising on quality. In 2024, RJ’s updated the packaging of its core ranges—Licorice, Bullets, Twists, Allsorts, and Balls—to use significantly less plastic, saving around 3.5 tonnes of plastic per year. These planet-friendly decisions reflect RJ’s belief that small changes can create a big impact. With over 120 employees based in Levin, the company plays a vital role in its local community—providing stable employment, supporting environmental initiatives, and fostering a workplace culture built on loyalty and passion. As the team continues to develop new flavour combinations, creative mashups, and sustainable packaging solutions, they remain closely connected to their customers, letting feedback and joy guide the way forward. Because at RJ’s, it’s not just about making better sweets—it’s about making a better future, one delicious choc-coated licorice log at a time.
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Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rjsnewzealand
Website- https://rjs.nz
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