Merckens Legacy Celebrated with Family Visit

Father’s Day 2025 held special meaning for Tim Merckens and his grandson, James. This year, the pair marked the occasion with a tour of Cargill’s Lititz, Pennsylvania, chocolate factory – the present-day home of select Merckens products.

Tim’s great-grandfather, August Merckens Sr., was a German immigrant with a passion for chocolate-making. He established the Merckens Chocolate Company in 1903 and under his leadership, the brand became known for its commitment to quality and innovation. A key milestone came in 1945, when Merckens is believed to have introduced the first white chocolate to North America — a sweet revolution that changed the confectionery landscape.

Today, Merckens is part of the Cargill family, but its legacy lives on in every batch. Beloved by confectioners and food manufacturers, Merckens products — especially the vibrant Rainbow™ Confectionery Coatings — continue to inspire creativity and delight taste buds across generations.

“I'm very proud of the company my great-grandfather started and also what various family members, including my grandfather, father and brother have contributed to it,” Tim said. “In fact, there's been a Merckens family member, four generations worth, connected to the company in some sort of capacity for over 100 years.” 

For Tim and his grandson, the visit was more than a factory tour. It was a celebration of family, tradition, and the enduring magic of chocolate. For the Cargill employees who now craft the legendary compounds and coatings, it was a chance to reflect on their role maintaining the Merckens legacy and innovating for the future.

“Merckens is more than a brand — it’s a piece of confectionery history,” said Anna Flaig, Senior Director Commercial Cocoa and Chocolate at Cargill. “We’re proud to be its stewards, continuing to deliver the quality our customers trust while reimagining what’s possible for the future.”