Harbor Sweets | RCI Member
Salem, MA

Founded in 1973 by Ben Strohecker, Harbor Sweets began with a focus on creating chocolates inspired by New England’s maritime culture. The company is known for its signature Sweet Sloops^® and Nautical Collection, produced at its waterfront facility in Salem. Now a women-led organization employing nearly 100 people, attendees will watch almond buttercrunch toffee being cooked and moulded into sailboat shapes, see the making of their caramel and pecan Sand Dollars^® and observe the large enrober in operation as signature products are finished.

In addition to their manufacturing facility and retail store in Salem, attendees will visit retail locations in Beverly and the Copley Place Mall in Boston.

Prides Crossing | RCI Member
Prides Crossing, MA

Housed in a historic train depot in the beautiful oceanfront community of Beverly Farms, Prides Crossing Confections was established in 1982 by chocolatier Chris Flynn. It is purposefully of the old school in its approach to candy making, continuing to use his original recipes for more than 100 confections made on site each day. Known for creamy caramels, buttery toffee, peanut butter cups, creams and truffles, the operation emphasizes small-batch production and local ingredients.

Putnam Pantry Candies | RCI Member
Danvers, MA

Founded in 1951 on the historic homestead of General Israel Putnam, Putnam Pantry Candies began when 10th-generation members of the Putnam family converted an old shoe factory into a candy kitchen. General Putnam was born on the property in 1718 and later served as a Major-General during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Approaching its 75th anniversary, the business continues to produce hundreds of traditional confections using treasured New England recipes, including favorites like caramel nut clusters and peanut butter cups.

Winfrey's Fudge & Chocolates | RCI Member
Rowley, MA

Winfrey’s Fudge & Chocolates was founded in 1979 as a home-based operation serving wholesale customers. The business grew into a production and retail facility and now serves more than 250 wholesale accounts across New England. Known for cream and butter fudge made in copper kettles over open-flame gas stoves, the company continues to use original family recipes and locally sourced dairy ingredients under second-generation ownership. See how they make their signature fudge, as well as creams and caramels using traditional methods.

Hilliards Chocolates | RCI Member
North Easton, MA

Watson's Candy | RCI Member
Wapole, MA

For more than 85 years and four generations, Watson’s Candies has crafted and sold gourmet, hand-dipped chocolates. Signature products include assorted chocolates, real fudge, and chocolate-covered caramelized popcorn. The company emphasizes natural ingredients and long-standing formulas, changing only during wartime shortages, and continues to focus on classic candy-making methods and customer-focused retail service.

Benson's Pond Cranberries
Middleborough, MA

Benson’s Pond Cranberries is owned and operated by the Gilmore family, third-generation cranberry growers and members of the Ocean Spray Cooperative. The farm includes more than 45 acres of vibrant cranberry bogs, along with surrounding upland and woodland. The bogs are managed using regenerative and organic farming practices. On tour, attendees will learn about cranberry growing and harvesting, explore the bogs, and enjoy lunch in the farm’s barn while gaining insight into different cranberry varieties and seasonal production.

Dorothy Cox's Candies | RCI Member
Fall River, MA

Founded in 1928 during the Great Depression, Dorothy Cox’s Candies began when Dorothy Cox sold chocolates from her home kitchen and rented tables at a local dry goods store. The business has remained family owned through four generations and is now led by third- and fourth-generation chocolatiers. Known for their own-made chocolate, butter crunch, chocolate-covered cranberries and enrobed products, the company produces a wide variety of confections. On tour, attendees will observe chocolate production, enrobing and moulding in their new factory.

What began as a small basement operation grew into one of the nation’s leading suppliers of chocolate equipment for retail confectioners. Hilliard’s Chocolate System was established in 1962 when Alan Hilliard left his family’s chocolate business to focus on refining and refining chocolate tempering machines originally invented by his father. Working from his basement, he laid the foundation for a company dedicated to precision and innovation. Today, the business continues to support candy makers with high-quality equipment and exceptional customer service.