In 1865 Mr. Henry Oscar Wilbur and Samuel Croft started a confectionery business in Philadelphia, PA. Operating under the name of Croft, Wilbur & Co., they produced molasses candies and hard candies. A few years later their business grew so much they moved to 1226 Market St., Philadelphia, PA.

1884 - Business is separated into H.O. Wilbur & Sons, a Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturer, and Croft and Allen, a Candy Manufacturer

In 1884 Wilbur and Croft decided to separate the business into a Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturer and a Candy Manufacturer. H.O. Wilbur & Sons manufactured the chocolate products, while Croft and Allen continued the candy business. H.O. Wilbur was assisted by his three sons: William Nelson, Harry L., and Betram K.

1887 - “Stirring Cupid” is introduced and H.O. Wilbur retires

In 1887, the “Stirring Cupid” campaign, one of Wilbur’s most “enduring and well known images,” was introduced. The “Stirring Cupid” was a little winged cupid with his bow and arrows stirring a cup of cocoa.

H.O. Wilbur retired in 1887 at the age of 59, shortly after moving to their final location at Third, New and Bread Streets. W.N. Wilbur, and his two brothers, Steve and Mass Oriole, came to Philadelphia to help out in the Candy Business later in the 1890’s. In 1905 Lawrence H. Wilbur, a third generation of the Wilbur family, came to Philadelphia to help out his other family members in their candy business.

1894 - Wilbur Bud® Chocolates Introduced

In 1894, H.O. Wilbur was looking for a new way to sell more chocolate. H.O. Wilbur developed a technique where he deposited his chocolate into a solid shape that resembled a flower bud.

1900 - Kendig Chocolate Company opens in Lititz, PA

In 1900, Kendig Chocolate Company, originally founded as a caramel factory, opened in Lititz, PA.

1902 - Kendig was bought by new owners and changed its’ name to Ideal Cocoa and Chocolate Company and a new plant was built in Lititz

In 1902, Kendig was bought by new owners and changed its’ name to Ideal Cocoa and Chocolate Company. Not long after the name change, a new plant was constructed at 48 North Broad Street in Lititz. The name change supposedly took place on February 14, 1902, now commonly known as Valentine’s Day. Ideal Cocoa was known for their Chocolate Cigars, Nut Lunch Bars, Ideal Almond Bars, Noah’s Arks, and Ideal Cocoa.

1913 - Addition added to Lititz Plant

In 1913, the Board of Directors authorized the construction of a five-story addition in between the two original buildings and perpendicular to Kline St.

1915 - Bachman Chocolate Co. starts operations in Mt. Joy

On November 24, 1915 Bachman started operations in Mt. Joy. The operations were delayed four months. Bachman manufactured chocolate coatings upon startup.

1927 - Ideal Cocoa and Chocolate Company merged with Brewster Chocolate Co. of Newark, NJ to become Brewster-Ideal Chocolate Company

In 1927, Brewster Chocolate Co. of Newark, NJ bought Ideal Cocoa and Chocolate Company. The two companies merged to become Brewster-Ideal Chocolate Co. during this time.

1927 - H.O. Wilbur & Sons negotiates, with Suchard Societe Anonyme of Switzerland, to manufacture and sell Suchard Chocolate.

During 1927, H.O. Wilbur & Sons was negotiating with Suchard Societe Anonyme of Switzerland, to manufacture and sell Suchard Chocolate.

1928 - H.O. Wilbur & Sons merges with Suchard to form Wilbur-Suchard Chocolate Company, which merged with Ideal Chocolate Company

H.O. Wilbur & Sons merged with Suchard to form Wilbur-Suchard Chocolate Company in 1928. Wilbur-Suchard Chocolate Company merged with Ideal Chocolate Company in Lititz, PA.

1928 - 1934 - Wilbur-Suchard Chocolate began to consolidate operations, while creating some well-known chocolate sensations

From 1928-1930 Wilbur-Suchard continued operations from three different locations Philadelphia, Newark, and Lititz. However, in August 1930, the Philadelphia operations were moved to Lititz. The Newark operations were sold back to Albert E. Brewster. During this time frame Wilbur-Suchard produced product for both retail and wholesale markets. They were especially noted for their Suchard line of chocolate squares and bars.

1958 - Wilbur discontinues the production and sale of Suchard items and changes its name to Wilbur Chocolate Co.

In 1958, Wilbur-Suchard discontinued its production and sale of all Suchard items. At this time the name was changed to Wilbur Chocolate Co.

1968 - Wilbur is bought by MacAndrews & Forbes Company

On October 18, 1968, Wilbur became a wholly owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Company.

1982 - Wilbur Chocolate Co. acquired the Mt. Joy facility from Bachman Candy Co.

In 1982, Wilbur acquired the Mt. Joy Facility from Bachman Candy Co., which was formerly owned by Peter Paul Cadbury.

1992 - Cargill Purchases Wilbur Chocolate Co.

In 1992 Cargill purchased Wilbur Chocolate Co., which is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Cargill is headquartered out of Minneapolis, MN. and operates in 59 different countries with over 124,000 employees.

2002 - June - Wilbur purchases Wilbur Limited in Burlington, Canada

In June of 2002 Wilbur Chocolate Co. purchased Omnisweet, a manufactuer of specialty compound chips, low melt ice cream flakes and other unique, value added products. The company was renamed Wilbur Limited and is a division of Cargill Limited.

2002 - October - Wilbur purchases Peter's Chocolate from Nestlé USA of Glendale, California

In October of 2002 Wilbur Chocolate Co. purchased Peter's Chocolate from Nestlé USA of Glendale, California. Peter's Chocolate is a leading supplier of premium chocolates with a loyal customer base throughout North America.