ARWAY CONFECTIONS, CHICAGO, IL In 1950, The Chocolate Pecan Caramel Patties, landed Arway Confections the largest retailer in the US at the time, Sears, Roebuck & Co. Together the two developed quality standards for the industry which are still in effect today. Tour their facility, which now produces hundreds of products for clients nationwide and experience everything from panning and enrobing, to open-fire copper kettle cooking, oil roasting and custom mixing.

	LONG GROVE CONFECTIONERY CO.,  BUFFALO GROVE, IL What began in a red schoolhouse turned candy kitchen in 1975, has since expanded into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. See what makes this family-owned business a leader in the industry with a tour of their chocolate factory and retail shop!

	MORKES CHOCOLATES, PALATINE, IL Located on Rand Road, a popular route to the chain of lakes; Morkes Chocolates has become a destination in the thriving town of Palatine. Continuing the same traditions since opening in 1920, Morkes Chocolates makes all their chocolate centers. Along with a variety of moulded items, they also produce caramel apples and donuts (made fresh daily). Learn how Morkes offers customers a unique "3D experience" through their hands-on candy making parties!

	PRIMROSE CANDY CO., CHICAGO, IL Founded in 1928, this family-owned business has found a niche in contract manufacturing. Experience every step of the manufacture process for both hard and chewy candies, from large batches down to individual pieces as they are wrapped, bagged and ready to enjoy! Children under age 12 may not be allowed to participate in this tour.

	SAVAGE BROS. CO., ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL After the, once, foundry and blacksmith shop rebuilt from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Savage Bros. Co. began to focus on manufacturing confectionery machinery and has, since, continued to thrive. Tour this brand-new facility and experience the process of converting raw steel to a finished machine, visit the demonstration room, see how their 3D design software works and view preserves from the company's 161-year legacy in their museum.

ATTENTION SUPPLIERS: Direct competitors of Albanese Confectionery, Barry Callebaut and Blommer Chocolate will not be permitted to tour these facilities due to proprietary reasons. If you question whether your company is considered a competitor, please email events@retailconfectioners.org to inquire.

	ALBANESE CONFECTIONERY,  MERRILLVILLE, IN See how Albanese Confectionery uses innovative equipment and robots to manufacture loads of confections, including their signature "World's Best Gummies!" All of their products are made with ingredients sourced exclusively from American and European growers.

	BARRY CALLEBAUT, CHICAGO, IL As one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, Barry Callebaut is a fully integrated company, involved of every step from the sourcing of cocoa beans to the finest chocolate product. Enjoy a chocolate tasting and confectionery demo at the Chocolate Academy and headquarter offices for the Americas region.

	BLOMMER CHOCOLATE COMPANY,  CHICAGO, IL This fourth-generation, family-run business is the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America. Visitors will experience what chocolate looks like at every step in the process, as it goes from beans to nibs to flake to finished product. Additionally, a stop at the R&D Applications lab will give perspective on the work done to support customers.Children under age 18 will not be allowed to participate on this tour. Entertainment will be provided for children not going on tours.