Gabe Davidson
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Gabe Davidson (born September 1977) is a New Zealand entrepreneur and direct-trade business advocate best known as co-founder of the Wellington Chocolate Factory (WCF) and The Original Cocoa Traders (TOCT). He has worked in specialty coffee, chocolate, and sustainability-focused enterprises.
Early Life and Career
Davidson was born in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand, where he studied jazz saxophone at the New Zealand School of Music.[1]
Career
Entrepreneurship and Chocolate Industry
In 2001, Davidson relocated to Melbourne, where he co- founded Octane Espresso (OE), developing a series of espresso bars in urban laneways.[2] The business evolved into the Social Roasting Company (SRC), offering social enterprise opportunities for youth.[3]
In 2005, he co-founded The Original Cocoa Traders (TOCT), which makes Melbourne-style drinking chocolate. TOCT has received industry awards, including: Four Diamond Product Sustainability Award at the Sustainability Awards (2025).[4] Recognition in the 2025 Clean + Conscious Awards by Peppermint Magazine.[5] Multiple honours at the 11th Annual International Chocolate Salon Awards (2024).[6]
Wellington Chocolate Factory
In 2013, Davidson co-founded the Wellington Chocolate Factory (WCF), New Zealand’s first certified organic bean-to-bar chocolate producer.[7]
The Wellington Chocolate Voyage
In 2015, Davidson co-led the Wellington Chocolate Voyage, a sourcing project transporting cocoa beans from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea to Wellington aboard the vaka Uto ni Yalo.[8]
Public Speaking
Davidson spoke at TEDxWellington in 2014 on "The Craft Chocolate Revolution: From Bean to Bar".[9]
Media Appearances
Under the stage name Gabe Christian, Davidson appeared in New Zealand television and film, including a role on Shortland Street and a guest appearance on The Tribe.[10]
References
- ↑ Supermarket News (15 February 2023). "Gabe Davidson, Wellington Chocolate Factory". Supermarket News. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Top of the coffee chain". The Age. 28 February 2006. Archived from the original on 3 September 2007. Retrieved September 2025. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help); Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ↑ Jones, Sarah (29 May 2009). "Coffee company blends jobs with a social flavour". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 1 June 2009. Retrieved September 2025. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help); Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ↑ "The Original Cocoa Traders wins four Diamond Product Sustainability Awards". Sustainability Award. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Meet the Clean + Conscious Class of 2025". Peppermint Magazine. 20 August 2025. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "11th Annual Awards for the Best Hot Cocoa, Hot Chocolate and Drinking Chocolate of the Year". International Chocolate Salon. 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved September 2025. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help); Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Wellington Chocolate Factory turns 10". Scoop. 7 November 2023. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Bougainville cocoa sets sail for Wellington Chocolate Factory". RNZ Pacific. 25 August 2015. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "More TEDx speakers revealed, this time it's Wellington". Idealog. 16 July 2014. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Gabe Davidson". IMDb. Retrieved September 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help)
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