From 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.
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
Hope's CaramelsHope’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.WEST CHESTER, PA
Wockenfuss CandiesSince opening its Baltimore candy company in 1915, Wockenfuss Candies has made chocolate specialties and confections, including its signature homemade chocolates and Carmallows. The family-owned business is now operated by the fifth generation—Paul and Lynn’s three daughters—and has grown to six Maryland retail stores while continuing to manufacture candy in Baltimore. Wockenfuss is also a woman-owned business.NOTTINGHAM, MD
Michael Mootz CandiesSince 1975, Michael Mootz Candies has made small-batch chocolates and other confections in northeastern Pennsylvania, carrying on recipes developed by “Gammy” Mootz in her early-1900s Pottsville store. Today Jason and Meagan Mootz run the Hanover Township business, with Jason representing the family’s fourth generation of candy makers. The Creamery, opened in 2015, puts the company’s own chocolate pieces to work as ice-cream toppings.HANOVER TOWNSHIP, PA