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 by Blommer; about 70% of their business is supplying chocolate to various branded companies for use in those companies' own products.
Blommer was founded in 1939 by the Blommer brothers, Henry, Al, and Bernard. The family and company name is pronounced "Blummer." In 2018, the company was sold to Fuji Oil Holding Inc. for $750 million.

Factory and store

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.
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. However, in January 2020 it was announced the store would close at the end of February to make room for factory expansion.
In addition to Chicago, the company has manufacturing plants in California, Ontario, and Pennsylvania.