Blommer Chocolate Company

Blommer Chocolate Company is an integrated chocolate manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois, and is considered to be the largest and oldest independent cocoa bean processor in North America and largest chocolate ingredient supplier. More than 45% of cocoa beans processed in the United States are processed (into cocoa butter, cocoa solids and chocolate liquor) by Blommer; about 70% of their business is supplying chocolate to various branded companies for use in those companies' own products.[1][2]

Blommer Chocolate Company
Subsidiary
IndustryChocolate
Founded1939 (1939)
FoundersHenry Blommer, Al Blommer, Bernard Blommer
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
,
USA
Area served
North America
Key people
Henry Blommer, Al Blommer, Bernard Blommer
ProductsChocolate, Cocoa powder, Cocoa butter, Chocolate liquor, chocolate-panned products, confectioner coating, other chocolate ingredients
ParentFuji Oil Holding Inc.
Websiteblommer.com

Blommer was founded in 1939 by the Blommer brothers, Henry, Al, and Bernard.[3] The family and company name is pronounced "Blummer." In 2018, the company was sold to Fuji Oil Holding Inc. for $750 million.[4][5]

Factory and store
Blommer Chocolate Company factory

The factory in the West Loop area of Chicago is known for sending a chocolate aroma into the air. Though the smell is popular among many Chicagoans, in 2006, a nearby condo owner complained to the EPA about the smell, complaining that it violated the Clean Air Act. Blommer was not fined, having explained that it was upgrading its filtration system. The chocolate smell remains.[6]

Blommer's Chocolates Company does not sell directly through retail. Another branch of the family owns and operates the retail store located in the front corner of the Chicago manufacturing site. The store sells various chocolates and chocolate baking supplies purchased from Blommer and other vendors.[7] However, in January 2020 it was announced the store would close at the end of February to make room for factory expansion.[8]

In addition to Chicago, the company has manufacturing plants in California, Ontario, and Pennsylvania.

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References
  1. Rosenthal, Phil (May 18, 2014). "Inside Blommer Chocolate: Family and cocoa at 75". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  2. MacArthur, Kate (May 9, 2012). "Blommer Chocolate to back cocoa sustainability program". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  3. "History". Blommer Chocolate Company. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  4. Esposito, Stefano. "Blommer Chocolate sold for $750 million", Chicago Sun-Times. November 19, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  5. Koziarz, Jay. "Chicago's famous Blommer Chocolate factory is getting a new owner", Curbed. November 20, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  6. Amer, Robin (August 11, 2012). "Blommer, where 'the bridges smell like chocolate'". WBEZ91.5. Archived from the original on August 16, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  7. "Blommer Chocolate Store". Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  8. "Blommer Chocolate's outlet store is closing at the end of February". Chicago Tribune. January 16, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.

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