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American Chocolate |
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Chocolate from America is not always highly regarded.
However, chocolate is a hugely profitable business in the USA, with companies such as Hershey
selling massive amounts of American chocolate every day. Popular products include
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey milk chocolate bars.
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The Quakers and Chocolate in America
The Quakers were responsible for bringing chocolate to the USA.
In the UK, Quaker families worked with chocolate manufacturers including the Cadburys, the Frys, the Rowntrees and the Terrys,
hoping to persuade poor people to give up alcohol in favour of drinking chocolate. This work provided them an impressive knowledge about chocolate.
The Quakers who migrated to America because of religious persecution, took this knowledge with them.
It was one of their descendents, Milton Hershey, who established the Hershey chocolate factory in Pennsylvania
at the turn of the twentieth century. |
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Domenico Ghirardelli and The American Chocolate Revolution
Domenico "Domingo" Ghirardelli continued the evolution of chocolate in America. A native Italian and
successful confectioner in Peru, Ghirardelli moved to California in 1849 to make his fortune in the
Gold Rush. After making it rich, selling mining supplies, and losing it again, Ghirardelli returned to
what he knew best and established a confectionery business with his wife Carmen.
The Ghirardelli's business was a success. They opened a second and a third store, then later opened a
chocolate factory at 415-417 Jackson Street. The factory was similarly a success, expanding
over the next 40 years, selling to as far afield as Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.
The Ghirardelli company is now established as one of the top producers of American gourmet chocolate selling
high quality chocolate to millions. |
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Etienne "Eddy" Guittard brings traditional French methods to USA
Etienne Guittard moved to America from Tournus, France in the 1850s chasing his fortune in the Gold Rush.
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Ghirardelli Chocolate,
Guittard Chocolate,
Scharffen Berger Chocolate
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