Wilbur Chocolate Company: A Lititz Tradition

The Wilbur Chocolate Company has been a beloved tradition in Lititz, Pennsylvania for over 100 years.

Founded in 1884 by Ira S. Wilbur, the company started as a small candy store and has since grown into a renowned chocolate maker.

The company's commitment to using only the finest ingredients and traditional techniques has earned it a loyal following among chocolate lovers.

One of the reasons for Wilbur Chocolate's success is its dedication to quality, which is evident in every delicious piece of chocolate that leaves the factory.

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Wilbur Chocolate Company has a rich history that spans many years. The company was bought by Cargill in 1992.

Cargill's acquisition of Wilbur Chocolate marked a significant shift in the company's ownership. The company is now part of Cargill's cocoa and chocolate labels, which also include Peter's Chocolate and Gerkens Cacao.

In 2002, Cargill bought Peter's Chocolate from Nestlé, further expanding its chocolate portfolio. This move likely had a positive impact on the company's overall chocolate sales.

The original Wilbur Chocolate factory in downtown Lititz was closed by Cargill in early 2016. The closure of this factory was a significant event in the company's history.

By the summer of 2018, the old factory building was being converted into new homes called condos. This transformation marked a new chapter in the life of the historic factory building.

The Wilbur Chocolate Company has been a beloved institution in Lititz, Pennsylvania for over 100 years. Founded in 1884 by Henry C. Wilbur, the company has been family-owned and operated for five generations.

Today, Wilbur Chocolate is still a family business, with the fifth generation of Wilburs at the helm. The company remains committed to using only the finest ingredients and traditional chocolate-making techniques.

Wilbur Chocolate is known for its high-quality, handcrafted chocolates that are made in small batches. The company uses a variety of natural ingredients, including nuts, fruit, and spices, to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

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The Wilbur Chocolate Company has a strong commitment to community involvement and philanthropy. The company has been a long-time supporter of local charities and organizations, and has even hosted its own fundraising events.

Wilbur Chocolate's products are sold in over 100 stores across the country, and the company's online store allows customers to shop from anywhere in the world.

The Wilbur Chocolate Company has a rich history, and its iconic factory on Broad Street in Lititz, Pennsylvania, is a testament to that legacy. The factory was a staple in the community for 125 years before its closure in 2016.

In January 2016, Cargill stopped chocolate production at the historic landmark and laid off approximately 130 employees. The factory was redeveloped into a mixed-use space.

The redevelopment included 25 condos and a hotel, which added a new dimension to the area. The Market at Wilbur, a restaurant, and Blackworth Live Fire Grill, another restaurant, opened in 2019, bringing new life to the space.

The Market at Wilbur was later closed in December 2023, but the Blackworth Live Fire Grill's plans for a new restaurant are still in the works.

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Lititz has a rich history, and one of its most iconic landmarks is the Wilbur Chocolate factory. The historic town of Lititz has always been associated with Wilbur Chocolate, or for at least as long as anyone can remember.

The production of Wilbur Chocolate at its longtime plant on North Broad Street was ceased in 2016, ending the site's celebrated 125-year run of creating the confectionery. This marked the end of an era for the town.

In 1992, Cargill Inc. purchased Wilbur Chocolate, and they established the Wilbur Chocolate outlet store across the street at 45 N. Broad St. The outlet store creates some in-house delicacies that incorporate the use of Wilbur Chocolate.

Today, the outlet store is a popular destination for visitors, with thousands of people drawn by curiosity, the Wilbur legacy, and of course, their love of chocolate.

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The Wilbur Factory in Lititz, Pennsylvania, has undergone significant redevelopment since its closure in 2016. The factory was redeveloped into 25 condos and a hotel.

The redevelopment project included the opening of The Market at Wilbur, a restaurant that served as a hub for the community. However, The Market at Wilbur was closed in December 2023 to make room for a new restaurant owned by Blackworth Live Fire Grill.

The Blackworth Live Fire Grill's new restaurant is part of a larger plan, but financial turmoil has disrupted these plans, leaving the community wondering what's next for the Wilbur Factory.

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The historic town of Lititz has been synonymous with Wilbur Chocolate for as long as anyone can remember. Wilbur Chocolate was produced in Lititz for the better part of the 20th century before Cargill purchased Wilbur in 1992.

In 2016, the production of Wilbur Chocolate at its longtime plant on North Broad Street was ceased, ending the site's celebrated 125-year run of creating the confectionery. Today, some Wilbur Chocolate is still produced in Mount Joy, in Hazleton, and at the Lincoln Avenue facility.

A new Wilbur plant was established on Lincoln Avenue in Lititz, where white chocolate is currently manufactured. The plant on Lincoln Avenue is where white chocolate is made, but not the original chocolate recipe.

The Wilbur Chocolate outlet store across the street at 45 N. Broad St. sells a variety of retail items, including some in-house delicacies that incorporate the use of Wilbur Chocolate.

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