Hope’s Caramels grew from Hope’s 2003 transition to stay-at-home motherhood into a Wilmington, Delaware maker of small-batch, slow-cooked caramels. Using simple ingredients, the company develops deep flavor through caramelization and offers handcrafted sweets for everyday treats, subscriptions, and custom event or corporate gifts. Its #sweetlife campaign connects caramel purchases with support for people affected by human trafficking.
dulci sweetsAshland’s family-owned Dulci Sweets makes handmade chocolates and nostalgic candy, with its signature Brock Bites pairing caramel with milk or dark chocolate. Made in the USA with time-tested family recipes, the company also turns its sweets into personalized gift boxes and corporate packages. Its faith-centered mission extends beyond the candy counter through fundraising and partnerships with community organizations.ASHLAND, OH
Mouth Party CaramelFrom its Timonium shop, Mouth Party Caramel makes small-batch gourmet caramels using a four-generation-old family recipe. The Maryland confectioner is especially known for Chesapeake Caramels, which fold iconic Old Bay seasoning into a simple cream-and-butter caramel, alongside classics such as sea salt and chocolate sea salt. Its fresh-to-order sweets are packaged for retail, gifts, and customized corporate orders.LUTHERVILLE TIMONIUM, MD
StroopiesFounded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2008, Stroopies makes handmade Dutch stroopwafels—cinnamon waffles filled with homemade caramel—at a rate of roughly 18,000 a week. The company’s distinctive mission is to provide meaningful employment, English classes, and a welcoming workplace for resettled refugee women, with the Lancaster-made treats sold locally and shipped throughout the United States. Stroopies is owned by Jonathan and Jennie Groff, who joined the business in 2010.LANCASTER, PA
MFG Toffee & Bark CompanyBorn in Baltimore, MFG Toffee & Bark Company makes small-batch toffees and chocolate barks inspired by flavors from around the world. Owner Kathy Filosi Nelson built the business from an old family English walnut toffee recipe, and the woman-owned company remains rooted in Baltimore’s artisan community through local hiring, community events and product donations to medical workers and first responders. Its retail shop and production kitchen in Little Italy offer a local window into the handmade process.BALTIMORE, MD