Just Sweets
Meet Maria and her daughter Olivia from Just Sweets, a much-loved Altona chocolate business that’s been part of the community for 20 years.
What started as a simple taste test at the kitchen table, after Maria’s husband Enzo brought home a batch of homemade rocky road - quickly turned into something special. One standout recipe led to a small shopfront in Altona, and from there, Just Sweets grew into a local favourite.
Today, with over 600 products, Just Sweets has shifted its focus to manufacturing and wholesaling, with their treats now available online, in hampers, and at markets and pop-up stores. And for Olivia, what began as helping out after school has turned into working alongside her mum full time, keeping the family business (and the chocolate) going strong.
Tell us a bit about Just Sweets, how did it all start?
Maria - It all started when my husband Enzo bought home a bunch of different rocky roads and asked me to taste one. There was one that was a standout and when I asked him where it was from, he said he made it. It was so good that we decided to perfect the recipe and open up a little shop in Altona. We've been here for 20 years now and focus on manufacturing and wholesaling.
Olivia - For me it started after school. I'd come in and help out where I could, and now I am here full time.
How many people work here?
Maria - 12
What do you love most about running your own business?
Maria - Working for ourselves and making our ideas come to life.
Olivia - Having generations of people enjoying our products and creating new flavours. Nothing excites me more than thinking about someone enjoying our creations.
How does your business support other local businesses and/or the local community?
Maria - We are always happy to support the local kinders and schools and always provide hampers for raffle donations and the link. We also work closely with a disability service and offer employment opportunities to people with a disability.
What's a story you can share?
Maria - Olivia used to go to Altona Primary across the road, and one day, when she was in grade 3, I heard her yelling "Mum, Mum". I ran over and asked her what was wrong and she asked I could throw some lollies over the fence for her and her friends. I did, and still remember that day.
Olivia - I remember that, and remember my friends putting their orders in, hehe.
What's your proudest achievement or milestone?
Olivia - Creating new lines and trends, like the Christmas ones we recently had - limoncello, tiramisu, panettone. They went really well and just thinking that someone is eating them and enjoying them, makes me happy.
What's your favourite thing from your shop?
Maria - Dark chocolate rocky road
Olivia - Freeze dried chocolate strawberries (yum) and I love the marshmallow necklaces. It makes me reminisce of my childhood.
Ok, give us your local tips. Where do you like to shop?
Maria - Lucy in the Sky
Olivia - Same
Where do you like to eat?
Maria - Pizza at Pier 71 and Santo Pizzeria in Laverton. Their brioche is to die for, just like being in Italy.
Olivia - It's got to be a margharita pizza from Pier 71, or Pho from Harmony. I also like an oat milk cappuccino from Salt'n'Pepa.
Where would we find you on the weekends?
Maria - At the markets, we are normally selling at the markets on across Melbourne on the weekends and have created a cult following.
Olivia - Probably at Altona Beach with my friends.
What's the best Valentines Day present you've ever received?
Maria - It was a sunset picnic at Williamstown and I received a huge bunch of flowers.
Olivia - Macarons. I love macarons!
If you needed a last minute Valentine gift where would you get it from and what would it be?
Maria - Can't go past a chocolate hamper... who doesn't like chocolate?
Olivia - I'd do flowers from a nearby florist. Everyone loves flowers for Valentines Day.
Location
26 Upton Street, Altona
Contact
info@justsweets.com.au
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