Meriden Chocolate Maker Highlighted By Legislator

MERIDEN, CT – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that chocolate manufacturer Thompson Chocolate in Meriden is this week's "Murphy's Monday Manufacturer." The local company specializes in traditional and themed chocolates, such as large Santas, dreidels, gold coins, Easter bunnies and eggs, and many other foiled seasonal chocolate novelties.

Founded in 1879 by William H. Thompson, who had a desire to learn more about the confectionary industry, Thompson Chocolate became one of America’s first chocolate companies, according to a statement from Murphy. These treats can be found on the shelves of nationally-recognized stores like Whole Foods and Vitamin Shoppe.

Thompson Chocolate has been making chocolate in Meriden since it was founded about 140 years ago, but moved to its current location at 80 South Vine Street in 1973, where they employ over 100 people in a 120,000 square-foot facility. Thompson Chocolate produces more than 2 million pounds of chocolate annually.

“For nearly 140 years, Thompson Chocolate has been a household name around the country, and their savory sweets are made right here in Connecticut,” said Murphy in a statement.“Thompson Chocolate has remained true to their Connecticut roots and ‘Made in America’ business model, which has stood the test of time. I’m happy to highlight their work.”

“We are proud to manufacturer a local product with real, quality ingredients for our customers. We take pride in knowing that our chocolate is putting smiles on people’s faces across the country. Many of our dedicated employees have been with us for decades, helping produce some of the finest chocolate products in the nation,” said Kevin Scarpati, Sales and Marketing Manager for Thompson Chocolate.

Murphy has chosen to highlight manufacturers as he has introduced two piece of legislation that aim to strengthen the sector: the BuyAmerican.gov Act and the American Jobs Matter Act. There are currently 4,600 manufacturers accounting for 10 percent of the state's jobs.

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