8+ Great Confectionery Manufacturers in the US [2023]

The United States is home to some of the best confectionery manufacturers and co-packers in the world. From chocolate to candy bars to taffy, these companies are a great way for confectionery brands to make, package, and distribute their product at scale. 
If you’re looking for a new confectionery manufacturer and candy maker for your brand, this article will take a look at some of the top confectionery manufacturers in the United States that could be a great option.

What is a Confectionery Manufacturer?

A confectionery maker is a company that produces sweet food products. This can include candy, chocolate, gum, and other sugar-based treats. Confectioneries usually have factories where they make their products. Some of the largest confectionery manufacturers in the world are based in the United States and the U.S. confectionery industry is worth an estimated $35 billion.

Confectionery Manufacturers vs. Candy Makers

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Confectionery manufacturers typically make a wider variety of products than candy makers. Candy makers usually only make one product, such as chocolate or candy.

There are many confectionery manufacturers in the United States. Some top companies include Mars Wrigley, Ferrero, Hershey, Nestle, and Lindt & Sprungli. These companies make various products, including chocolate, gum, mints, and other confectionery items. 

On the other hand, See’s Candies is a candy maker that specializes in making chocolate. Another example is Dylan’s Candy Bar, which is a candy store that produces and sells a variety of different candies, but not other confections.

Confectionery Manufacturers vs. Confectionery Suppliers

The difference between confectionery manufacturers and confectionery suppliers is the manufacturers make the sweets while suppliers provide the raw ingredients. 

Confectionery manufacturers produce all kinds of delicious treats–from chocolate and candy to gum and mints–while suppliers are responsible for providing the factories with sugar, cocoa, and other vital ingredients.

How to Find the Best Confectionery Manufacturer

Finding the right confectionery manufacturer can be a time-consuming and complex process. Make this simple with PartnerSlate, or follow these steps if you prefer a DIY approach.

1. Research

Start by conducting thorough research on manufacturers that specialize in confectionery products and have the necessary certifications and capabilities for your product.

2. Outreach

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential manufacturers, reach out to them to discuss your project in detail. Inquire about their capabilities, product development processes, and ability to handle specific product requirements like allergen-free or gluten-free production. Request information on their minimum order quantities, lead times, and pricing structures.

3. Waiting

After sending out inquiries, be prepared to wait for responses. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the manufacturer’s workload and communication capabilities. Use this time to continue researching and compiling information on your potential partners.

4. Site Visits

Before signing a contract with a manufacturer, it’s crucial to visit their facilities in person. A site visit lets you assess their manufacturing capabilities, quality control procedures, and overall hygiene and cleanliness standards. This also allows you to get a feel for their company culture and whether it aligns with your brand values.

5. Culture Tests

It’s important to know if a manufacturer’s culture aligns with your team’s. Speak candidly with the company and consider reaching out to other brands who have previously worked with the manufacturer to get personal insights about their experiences. Resources like Confectionery News can also provide information on manufacturers’ reputations and industry standings.

6. Signing & Onboarding

Once you’ve conducted thorough research, site visits, and culture tests, and have found the right manufacturer for your confectionery brand, it’s time to sign the contract and begin the onboarding process. This may involve creating detailed product specifications, setting up quality control processes, and establishing communication channels with the manufacturer.

Of course, this entire process can be simplified with PartnerSlate, a co-packing industry expert that streamlines the process of finding the right co-packer for your product. 

We understand that the landscape can be overwhelming, and we’re here to provide transparency and guidance so you can focus on the food. Our process is simple:

1. Create a profile and detailed project: Add a project with information about your brand, product, and project requirements. 
2. List your project on PartnerSlate’s Marketplace: Your project will reach our network of over 6,000 vetted co-packers.
3. Get your matches: PartnerSlate matches you with several confectionery manufacturers that have the capability and interest in taking on your job. 
4. Streamlined onboarding: Once you have found a co-packer, the onboarding process can be done right on the platform. 

Leveraging PartnerSlate to find a confectionery manufacturer saves brands time, optimizes costs, and provides peace of mind you’re working with the right partner.

Top Confectionery Manufacturers for Your Food Product

Now to the list! While this article covers some great confectionery manufacturers for your candy or dessert, these are by no means the only options. It’s just a sample of the great copackers and co-mans you can find on PartnerSlate’s matching platform. 

1. Brooklyn Born Chocolate

Brooklyn Born Chocolate is a New York-based chocolate company that makes small-batch, handcrafted chocolate that was founded in 2014 by two friends who shared a passion for chocolate. Brooklyn Born Chocolate sources its cocoa beans from family-owned farms in South America. The company’s chocolate is made using traditional methods and is free of additives and preservatives.

Brooklyn Born Chocolate offers a variety of chocolate products, including bars, truffles, and hot chocolate.

Services:

• Private label manufacturing
• Contract packaging
• Chocolate bar manufacturing
• Trademark registration
• Product development
• Flavor development
• Nutritional analysis
• Ingredient sourcing
• Fulfillment services
• Dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage
• Customizable packaging 

Product Types:

• Chocolate covered animal crackers
• Chocolate covered pretzel poppers
• Crispy chocolate toffee peanut rocher
• Peppermint pretzel balls
• Peanut butter cups
• Chocolate caramel
• Chocolate bars
• Fruit and nut bars
• Chocolate gift baskets

Specialty Product Capabilities

• Organic
• Kosher
• Keto 

Location: Rahway, New Jersey

2. Birmingham Chocolate

Birmingham Chocolate is a family-owned confectionery manufacturer. Today, the Birmingham Chocolate Company makes a wide variety of chocolate products, including bars, truffles, and fudge.

The company sources its cocoa beans from family-owned farms in South America. All the company’s products are made using traditional methods and are free of additives and preservatives.

Services:

• Custom packaging
• Private label manufacturing
• Chocolate bar manufacturing
• Trademark registration
• Product development
• Flavor development
• Wholesale distribution

Product Types:

• Chocolate bars
• Keto bars
• Flavored coffee beans
• Chocolate and cocoa-coated almonds
• Nonpareils d
• Orange peel 
• Pretzel caramels
• Oreos
• Dipped graham crackers 
• Various bark confections

Specialty Product Capabilities: 

• Kosher
• Gluten-free 
• Dairy-free
• Peanut-free
• Sugar-free

Location: Birmingham, Michigan

3. Davis Chocolate

Davis Chocolate is one of the top confectionery manufacturers in the United States and the largest bean-to-bar facility in Indiana. The company produces a wide variety of chocolate products, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, and white chocolate bars.  Davis Chocolate is a private label chocolate manufacturer that manufactures chocolate for other companies.

The company’s products are available in stores across the United States and can also be purchased online.

Services:

• Depositing
• Molding
• Inclusions
• High-speed flow wrapping
• Pouching
• Chocolate manufacturing
• Private label
• Dry storage
• Ingredient sourcing
• Co-packing 

Product Types:

• Chocolate bars
• Dark, milk, and white chocolate bars
• Chocolate bars with inclusions such as almond, peanut butter, and cranberries
• Raw and powdered cocoa nibs
• Chocolate and peanut butter chips
• Wine sticks
• Wave sticks
• Ice cream
• Cakes
• Liquid chocolate
• Truffles
• Chocolate products 

Specialty Product Capabilities: 

• Kosher
• Gluten-Free
• Organic
• Halal

Location: Mishawaka, Indiana

4. Great Confectionery Manufacturer

This organization is a confectionery manufacturer that produces nut and fruit candies. The company’s products are available nationwide at major retailers such as Walmart,  Target, and Kroger. 

They are a private label company dedicated to providing their customers with the highest quality products. Their products are cooked in copper kettles, hand-stretched, and hand-worked with the best pecans, cashews, and peanuts.

Services:

• Candy manufacturing
• Private label
• Co-packing 
• Ingredient sourcing
• Wholesale

Product Types:

• Candy bars
• Gummies 
• Chocolate bars
• Brittles
• Gourmet nut rolls
• Chocolate nuts and fruits 
• Hard candies
• Pralines

Specialty Product Capabilities: Organic

Location: Georgia

5. Great Confectionery Manufacturing Company

Originating from a rich tradition in American confectionery, this manufacturer’s expansive portfolio of sweets is instantly recognizable. They’ve crafted deliciously crunchy peanut-buttery bars covered in chocolate, and unique nougat bars enrobed in milk chocolate. In the non-chocolate space, they offer tart, chewy candies and taffy bars that tickle the palate with a blend of sweet and sour. Their hard, fruit-flavored candies are a testament to their commitment to a diverse range of tastes.

In expanding its offerings, the company has also introduced gummy candies, licorice, marshmallows, and chocolates to its product line. They have continued their innovation into the chewing gum sector with popular and nostalgic brands. This company, with its focus on quality and flavor diversity, remains a testament to timeless confectionery done right.

Services:

• Food manufacturing
• Co-packing
• Ingredient sourcing
• Bulk candy production for wholesale or commercial purposes
• Packaging and labeling 
• Customized branding and design 
• Product development and innovation 
• Quality control 
• Distribution and logistics services

Product Types:

• Chewy candies
• Gummies
• Jellybeans
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate bars 
• Cookies 
• Seasonal and holiday-themed candies
• Novelty candies
• International and multicultural candies

Specialty Product Capabilities:

• Organic
• Sugar free or reduced sugar

Location: Illinois

6. Great Confectionery Manufacturer

This company is a family-owned and operated business making fine chocolates and confections since 1917. Their extensive product range includes a wide variety of chocolate and candy creations, including milk, dark, or white chocolate. 

This company offers private label services and collaborates with its clients to create and produce products under their brand names, leveraging their expertise in confectionery manufacturing. Their services are available in both smaller and larger production sizes, including offering wholesale distribution. Their dedication to crafting fine chocolates and confections, combined with their private label manufacturing capabilities, positions them as a trusted partner for businesses. 

Services:

• Candy manufacturing
• Chocolate manufacturing
• Private label
• Ingredient sourcing 
• Wholesale distribution
• Recipes development
• Design and branding 

Product Types:

• Truffles
• Caramels
• Creams
• Chocolate bars
• Dipped fruits
• Milk, white, and dark chocolates 
• Genevas
• Chocolate pops
• Chocolate covered cookies
• Nonpareils
• Chocolate covered raisins
• Malt balls 
• Peanut clusters 

Specialty Product Capabilities: Kosher

Location: Massachusetts

7. Great Confectionery Manufacturing Company

This company is a candy manufacturer specializing in candies such as caramel and taffy confections. The company’s products are available nationwide at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kroger. 

As a private label company, they excel in manufacturing candy bases of the highest quality. They work closely with clients to develop and produce custom candies under their brand names. This private label service allows businesses to offer unique and personalized candy products without the need for in-house manufacturing facilities. Their commitment to using top-quality ingredients and their dedication to crafting delightful confections contribute to their reputation as a reliable and sought-after partner in the candy industry. 

Services:

• Candy manufacturing
• Private label
• Packaging
• Research and development
• Ingredient sourcing
• Bulk purchasing
• Formulation development
• Nationwide distribution 
• Design and branding

Product Types:

• Caramel
• Taffy
• Fruit chews
• Caramel or coated popcorn
• Savory popcorn
• Hard boiled candy
• Chewy candy

Specialty Product Capabilities:

• Organic
• Kosher
• Sugar-free

Location: Illinois

8. Another Great Confectionery Manufacturer

This Nevada-based company is a family-owned and operated candy manufacturer and the oldest brand of peppermint candy canes in the United States. Leveraging their expertise is a part of their strategy as a manufacturer, including offering private label manufacturing. This service allows businesses to create high-quality peppermint and other stick candies without needing in-house production capabilities. 

Services:

• Candy manufacturing
• Vertical form/fill bagging
• Horizontal form/fill bagging
• Flow wrapping
• Twist wrapping
• Hand packing
• Private label
• Ingredient manufacturing
• Contract manufacturing
• Development and production of customized candy cane flavors, shapes, and packaging
• Expertise in producing traditional and nostalgic stick candies
• Nationwide distribution

Product Types:

• Peppermint candy canes
• Lollipop
• Giant sticks
• Candy sticks
• Candy drops

Specialty Product Capabilities:

• Kosher
• Organic
• Gluten free
• USDA organic
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Allergen free

Location: Nevada

What is the Largest Confectionery Company in the World?

The largest confectionery company in the world is Mars Wrigley. They are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and have over 65,000 employees. Their products include chocolate, gum, mints, and other confectionery items. 

They operate in over 180 countries and have annual sales of over $35 billion. The second-largest confectionery company is Ferrero Group. They are headquartered in Italy and have more than 36,000 workers. Their products include chocolate, hazelnut spread, biscuits, and other confectionery items. They operate in over 170 countries and have annual sales of over $12 billion.

Work with the Best Confectionery Manufacturing Company 

There is no “best” confectionery manufacturer–but there is one that will be the right fit for your brand. Are you looking for a large company that can make a wide range of candies or a smaller business specializing in a particular confectionery type? Are you looking for a manufacturer that uses organic ingredients or one that has nut-free facilities?

Through our extensive work in the CPG industry, PartnerSlate has become the leading discovery and connection platform to simplify a food entrepreneur’s search for the best manufacturing partner. Our Matching Advisors ensure the right co-manufacturers see your project so we can provide you with several options that have the capacity to meet your needs. Once you find a match, the platform enables both parties to onboard and communicate right on the software.  

Experience the difference with PartnerSlate and allow us to support your growth by providing unparalleled connections and resources to help you conquer your goals. 

Ready to confidently take your confectionery creations to market?