An Auckland husband-and-wife team of chocolatiers are looking to expand, after taking out a top industry award.

'Honest Chocolat' was a supreme winner at the inaugural New Zealand Chocolate Awards, with a salted caramel and buckwheat flavour.

Owner Nico Bonnaud said he started the company with his wife a year ago, and has seen the industry grow.

"It's only the start of a really big story for New Zealand chocolate makers so its very privileged to be at that stage of the chocolate industry in New Zealand," he said.

LISTEN ABOVE: NICO BONNAUD AND JO MCALPINE (JO'S SUBLIME CHOCOLATES) TALK TO CHRIS LYNCH

"I think it's only going to get better."

The couple open their first store in a few weeks.

He believes New Zealanders are now looking for something more than the mainstream brands are offering, and thinks there are similarities between artisan chocolate, and the craft beer industry.

"[Consumers] want to know the full story. It's not just a product, you're buying the story at the same time."