TOURS

A highlight for many attendees, RCI takes education to the next level through exclusive, behind-the-scenes confectionery tours. Gain a new perspective of your craft from fellow candy makers, chocolatiers and suppliers sure to inspire ideas to take home to your business. 

	Burke Candy & Ingredients Company, Inc. Milwaukee, WI RCI Member		Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Milwaukee, WI RCI Member		Fazio's Chocolate Elm Grove, WI RCI Member
	For four generations and over 90 years, the Burke family has been producing small batches of chocolates, caramels, toffees and other confections in the heart of America’s dairyland. When they’re not crafting delicious candies and treats for their own retail shop, they’re making high-quality ingredients for candy companies across the country. Tour their state-of-the-art facility to witness the unique processes used to produce their candies and ingredients. In addition, tour their newest location and first stand-alone retail store at White Fish Bay along the Lake Michigan shoreline.		The roots of Cargill’s Milwaukee-based operation began in 1894 when Ambrosia Chocolate was established selling retail candies downtown. By mid-century the company shifted to focus on larger-volume products and in 1992, the facility moved to a new state-of-the-art facility on the city’s northwest side. The factory has been operated by Minnesota-based Cargill since 2015, offering high-quality chocolate and compounds for confectioners. Tour one of Cargill’s six cocoa and chocolate facilities in the United States—one of 33 globally—to experience large-scale chocolate production including mixing, refining and conching.		The story of Fazio’s Chocolate began in 2013, inspired by their Italian heritage and a passion for creating handcrafted artisan chocolates and truffles shared by owners Cindy (Fazio) and Mark Karrels. Celebrating 10 years this fall, Fazio’s once small collection of chocolates continues to grow and features a unique collection for each major holiday. Tour guests will enjoy demonstrations of various techniques, such as airbrushing, splattering and shelling of moulds, used to craft each artisan chocolate.

FRIDAY TOURS

Ultimate Confections Wauwatosa, WI RCI Member		Vande Walle's Candies, Inc. Appleton, WI RCI Member		Wilmar Chocolates Appleton, WI
Inspired by an old family peanut brittle recipe and the encouragement of family and friends, Founder Lori Presser put her culinary skills to the test. She took peanut brittle to the next level by developing indulgent variations, that featured added layers of peanut butter and chocolate or swapping peanuts for pecans and caramel to create a “Turtle Brittle.” From there, Ultimate Brittle was born in 1990. Further experimentation with nuts, fruits, truffles and creams brought with it an ever-expanding line of chocolate confections and a name change, Ultimate Confections.		In 1975, Don and Norma Vande Walle purchased an existing bakery and sprinkled in their love of homemade candy. When demand increased, they built their current facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. Here, they offer over 95 varieties of fine chocolates and confections, award-winning bakery products and their own premium ice cream. Join us on a tour to explore the Vande Walle's candy kitchen, bakery and retail space. See their copper kettles and how their products are made using time-tested family recipes and the finest ingredients.		Three different families has owned Wilmar Chocolates over the last 66 years; however, its original owners were Wilbur and Mary Srnka. The name “Wilmar” is a mash-up of their first names. Wilbur brought a wealth of experience and recipe ideas to the couple’s new venture. Those recipes are still used generations later by Wilmar’s team of candy makers. On a self-guided tour, experience Wilmar’s kitchen in action crafting their signature confections such as meltaways, French mints, creams, Wisconsin butter toffee and the local delicacy, “Wisconsin Oysters.”