Family owned and operated since 1938, Pittsburgh’s Betsy Ann Chocolates makes handmade American gourmet chocolates using time-honored recipes and all-natural ingredients. Founded by Betsy Ann Helsel, the company still follows her old-fashioned approach while creating nostalgic confections, customized chocolate bars, and fundraising programs for schools and organizations.
Gertrude Hawk ChocolatesGertrude Hawk Chocolates has been making chocolate and candy in northeastern Pennsylvania since Gertrude Hawk began the business in her Scranton kitchen in 1936. Now based in Dunmore, the company still makes its chocolate centers by hand with copper kettles and marble slabs, while its long-running fundraising programs help schools and community organizations raise money. Its signature Smidgens® and freshly prepared hand-dipped treats carry that family-rooted tradition into stores and gift boxes.DUNMORE, PA
Philadelphia CandiesFounded in 1919 in western Pennsylvania’s Shenango Valley, Philadelphia Candies makes milk and dark chocolates in-house from scratch, including its signature soft-centered creams and chocolate-covered snacks. The company still works in small batches and hand-packs customizable boxes at its Pennsylvania factory, while supporting organizations through chocolate-bar fundraising.HERMITAGE, PA
Anthony-Thomas ChocolatesSince 1952, Columbus-based Anthony-Thomas Chocolates has made buckeyes and assorted milk and dark chocolates, building a local candy tradition around its signature confections. The family-owned business draws on five generations of experience and produces its chocolates in a 175,000-square-foot factory, where eleven lines make 30,000 pounds per shift. Anthony-Thomas also offers personalized candy bars and event boxes for weddings, parties, and businesses.COLUMBUS, OH
Marie’s CandiesBorn from homemade gifts made by Winfred and Marie King in their Ohio country kitchen, Marie’s Candies has been making small-batch chocolates since opening in 1956. Now third-generation owned by siblings Shannon and Rebecca, the West Liberty confectioner carries that family tradition from a restored train depot that serves as its retail space. Its best-known offerings include customizable chocolate assortments and distinctive treats such as Tur’Kins, a turtle-style candy.WEST LIBERTY, OH