Ditters marks its return to bricks-and-mortar retail with a store in Adelaide Arcade in the exact same shop they held 40 years ago.

Their return is being made possible through Renew Adelaide, and Ditters is warmly welcomed by the arcade as a well-loved Adelaide owned and operated business for more than a century.

Ditters Owner, Matt Johnson, says the serendipitous return to Shop 22 is a significantly symbolic way to revive the brand name to both old and new consumers.

“Opening a store in the Adelaide CBD is the next step towards rebuilding the Ditters business,” says Matt. “We’re passionate about ensuring that these unique and delicious products are not lost but instead enjoyed by future generations.”

Ditters had its last Adelaide CBD store in 2012 on Gawler Place and has been based out of its Melrose Park factory door since 2019 with sales continuing online and through national outlets like David Jones.

The relaunch of a city shopfront was inspired by Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith, who visited Ditters’ production site 12 months ago. She urged Matt and wife/Co-Owner, Esther, to consider a return to the CBD, approaching Renew Adelaide to garner support for the brand.

“Ditters’ long-standing association with the Adelaide CBD stretches back to the 1920s, when they had a shop in Pirie Street, across the road from the Adelaide Town Hall, so it’s a real treat to have their distinctive aroma and products return to our city,” says Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith.

The company, founded in 1918 by Otto Ditter, found popularity in products ranging from roasted nuts to dried and glazed fruits, and the famous Ditters Gourmet Cake.

Adapted by Dawn Ditter from an American recipe, the Gourmet Cake recipe calls for the barest amount of cake mixture holding a rich assortment of dried and glacé fruit and nuts. The same recipe is still used today, and thousands are made each year.

All of Ditters’ cherished creations are available at the Adelaide Arcade store, managed by Esther, a graphic designer who has illustrated the story of Ditters on their newest gift boxes.

Paying homage to the business, shoppers will be welcomed by a commissioned portrait of Otto Ditter created by local artist, Marisha Matthews. It will be unveiled at an official launch event on Thursday, 11th September, as will other nods to Ditters’ rich history, including a quote on the wall by Sol Simeon in the Sunday Mail, 11th July 1982. He describes Ditters as ‘a treasure of South Australia.’

Adelaide Arcade General Manager, Andrew Jonats, says welcoming Ditters back during the precinct’s 140thanniversary was a win for locals.

“Ditters has been a favourite for generations and we support their transition back to retail stores – especially in the very shop they were last in!” says Andrew. “Whether it’s glace or dried fruit, or freshly roasted nuts, we’re sure everyone will have their favourites to buy.”

Renew Adelaide is equally delighted to support this iconic local brand to re-establish its CBD presence. Renew Adelaide CEO Gianna Murphy says many will have a sentimental pull towards the business.

“I have fond memories of buying Ditters’ warm roasted macadamias at their Gawler Place store in my teenage years,” says Gianna. “Adelaide Arcade is the perfect location for them to connect with local shoppers – whether they’re long-time fans or just discovering the range for the first time.”

WHERE: Shop 22, Adelaide Arcade