I recently visited the Purdy’s Chocolate factory for a fun tour that was lead by their Head Chocolatier Rachel McKinley.

Ever since I was young I loved chocolate and this tour brought the child in me to the forefront with thoughts of “Willy Wonka” and “I Love Lucy”. This was a great behind the scenes tour of the most popular chocolate company in Canada and a chance to hear from some of their longest employees that have been working there for upwards of 41 years and then see all the chocolate being made into various treats.

Purdy’s employs over 1000 people at their 80 retail stores across Canada and has been making chocolates since 1907. Many of their employees have been working for the company for over 20 years.

As I was touring the factory I had a chance to see every facet of the production process from the nuts being roasted to the chocolate melting to the filling, enrobing and more.

They make chocolates for almost every occasion and almost every type of holiday including their most popular being Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

By: Richard Wolak