One sweet setup

For more than 30 years, Coblentz Chocolate Co. has been the cherry on top of a trip to Amish Country. For many, the day wouldn’t be complete without bringing home a box of sea-salt caramels, pecan snappers, peanut clusters or chocolate meltaways.

Since taking the wrapping off of its new 25,000-square-foot local production facility in April, the chocolatier can now keep up with demand.

“We have a store, but we’re also a wholesaler,” said Jason Coblentz, president of Coblentz Chocolate Co. “The new facility is twice as big as space we were leasing the last few years, and since the new facility meets our exact specifications, we can control the interior temperature and climate down the line.”

More control over climate and temperature guarantees Coblentz Chocolate will be everything tourists remember from their trips to Amish Country with more in store.

“The sea-salt caramels are a salty-sweet combination,” Coblentz said. “It’s a very delicious, sweet caramel that we coat with chocolate. Before it dries, we sprinkle it with sea salt. It’s one of my favorites, and it’s one our customers come from miles around for.”

That was Coblentz’s hope a little over three decades ago when he, along with his wife, Mary Coblentz, and brother, Mark Coblentz, founded the Coblentz Chocolate Co. in 1987.

“There was nothing like it in the area at the time, and tourism was picking up,” Coblentz said. “We opened a shop and produced 40 different types of candy. A couple of years later, with the help of my brother who’s in the wholesale business, we were able to connect with stores across Amish Country and soon developed a name and following.”

Today, the Coblentz Chocolate Co. has grown from three employees to 80 and carries over 100 varieties of candy.

“Quality-wise, we’re up there,” Coblentz said. “It’s good, creamy chocolate. Our dark chocolate is not overly bitter, but it still has a good cocoa flavor.”

Coblentz Chocolates has gained a reputation for putting the local touch in business. “We can do customized candy bars for businesses, and we can even do custom molds like centerpieces with a company logo,” Coblentz said. “It takes about two to three weeks to make a custom mold and another week to pour the chocolate.”

Coblentz Chocolates also does customized party favors for weddings and other events, and gift wrapping is always available.

Three new employees have been hired since the completion of the new facility.

“We have a great workforce in the local community — they’re conscientious,” Coblentz said. “Over the next few years, we expect to continue to grow in the area. The new facility has room for a sixth line and another three or four employees.”

If history is any indication, Coblentz Chocolates will always have more in store.

Visit Coblentz Chocolate Co. at 4917 Walnut St. in Walnut Creek, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 800-338-9341. Find your sweet spot online at CoblentzChocolates.com.