A Real Life Chocolate Factory Tour at Purdys

Every winter holiday season, I think about the Ooompa Loompas in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. I know, it's such a random thing to think about but it's something the media won't let me sooner forget. There isn't a year in which this classic movie is not played on television at least once per week. I don't mind it, in fact, I love it. I think it's such a dream to be in the presence of an endless supply of sweet goodies. How cool would it be to fall into a chocolate pool? Do you start swimming or drinking? I never really thought I'd have a chance to make such a delicious decision until Go Popcorn and Purdys invited me to the Purdy's Chocolate factory.

Visiting the chocolate factory last night was such a fun experience and I learned so much. Here are three facts that I didn't know about Purdys:

#1 Purdy's offer Gourmet Flavours

I can't remember a single year in my adult life in which I haven't purchased Purdy's Chocolates for work associates and relatives during the winter holiday season. Sure there's a lot of choices out there nowadays but I feel like Purdys is always the safest bet since there is just something reliable about a recognizable brand that has been around for over 100 years. However, I rarely chose them for friends since I think most of us are into more modern offerings like Beta5 but I just discovered that they now have gourmet flavours such as yuzu, pomegranate, passion fruit, goats milk with Chardonnay and more! Their appearance even have that modern aesthetic appeal too. See this piece colored with natural plant dyes:

#2 Single Source Beans

One of the emerging food trends that you may have already heard about recently is the focus on how the terroir (environmental factors) affects the flavour composition of the foods that are produced there, taking an approach similar to how we view grapes in the production of wine. In the last four years Purdys have shifted to using beans from only Ghana, Peru and Ecuador.

#3 Sustainable Cocoa

Purdys belief in contributing positively to the local community where they operate their stores is also extended to the grassroots level where farmers toil to produce the massive amounts of cocoa beans used in the production of the chocolates. In the last 3 years, Purdys have converted to using all sustainable cocoa beans. I know, I know... sustainability is a "nice" word to throw around nowadays but here are some specific actions taken by Purdy's to achieve that endeavor - fare wages for farmers; social programs like medical clinics, water and education; and lastly, ecological sustainability in the form of education for farmers.

It was a real pleasure to be on this tour which is unfortunately not available to the public but I hope the pictures I've taken will let you in on a little bit of the magic too.

I am really (like really) looking forward to sharing more holiday baking and winter moments with you all. You know where to find me.

Now let's start the tour!

Xoxo,

Mimi