Blommer Chocolate Company has unveiled its groundbreaking 10,000 square foot R&D Center at Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart, signaling a major expansion of innovation capabilities. Opening on March 18, 2025, this facility doubles the company’s previous research space and represents a strategic component of Blommer’s $100 million investment initiative across North America. The new innovation hub maintains Blommer’s historic Chicago presence despite closing its manufacturing plant last year, while creating an accessible platform where partners of all sizes can collaborate on chocolate innovation. As Mark Okita, COO and President explains, “The R&D Center is a place where anyone can discuss new chocolate ideas with Blommer members, regardless of scale.”
A Chocolate Innovation Powerhouse in Chicago
The relocation and expansion of Blommer’s R&D Center marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution. Just two years after moving their headquarters to the Merchandise Mart, this development reinforces Blommer’s commitment to chocolate innovation and development. I’ve watched with interest as Blommer has transformed its research capabilities while maintaining roots in Chicago, where the company was founded in 1939.
This state-of-the-art facility isn’t just about size – it’s about capabilities. The center features specialized areas including hot and chocolate kitchens, sensory analysis spaces, and dedicated ideation rooms. Each component was carefully planned to foster collaboration between Blommer’s experts and external partners. The design philosophy prioritizes a hands-on approach to innovation, enabling everyone from small chocolatiers to major manufacturers to participate in the development process.
What makes this hub particularly impressive is how it replicates actual manufacturing conditions. Developers can test concepts at small scale before committing to full production, reducing risk and accelerating innovation timelines. This ability to bridge concept and commercial reality positions Blommer as a true partner in product development. You can explore more about Blommer’s innovation approach and how it’s changing chocolate development.
Inside the R&D Center: Purpose-Built for Chocolate Excellence
Walking through the doors of Blommer’s new R&D Center reveals a facility that was designed with scientific precision. Melissa Tisoncik, VP of R&D, emphasized this intention: “This R&D Center was designed with purpose, by scientists, to involve customers in our creative approach to critical thinking and development of novel concepts.” The layout encourages collaborative problem-solving while providing the technical capabilities needed for serious chocolate development.
The center focuses on four key areas that drive chocolate innovation:
- Future development of chocolate products and technologies
- Concept testing in real-world conditions
- Processing and ingredient research
- Application creation across various food categories
Advanced analytical instruments enable Blommer’s team to evaluate chocolate properties with unprecedented detail. From texture analysis to flavor profiling, these tools provide data-driven insights for development. The sensory evaluation lab offers controlled conditions for product testing, ensuring that new formulations meet both technical specifications and consumer expectations.
This scientific approach to chocolate innovation comes at a crucial time for the industry. With rising cocoa prices affecting bakers worldwide, Blommer’s research capabilities could help develop cost-effective formulations without compromising quality. The company’s expertise in everything from bean processing to final application makes it uniquely positioned to address these challenges.
Strategic Significance of the Chicago Innovation Hub
The decision to expand Blommer’s R&D presence in Chicago carries both practical and symbolic importance. Despite closing its historic Chicago manufacturing plant last year, the company has reinforced its commitment to the city through this substantial investment. The move honors Blommer’s 86-year Chicago heritage while adapting to changing market dynamics.
Locating at the Merchandise Mart places Blommer at the center of Chicago’s food innovation ecosystem. This proximity to other food technology companies creates natural opportunities for collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. The Merchandise Mart’s reputation as a hub for design and innovation aligns perfectly with Blommer’s vision for the future of chocolate.
Tomoki Matsumoto, CEO and Chairman, explained the vision: “Blommer Chocolate Company’s new R&D Center is a hub of innovation for future chocolate technology. It brings together scientists’ passion and creativity, allowing customers to participate in developing new ideas.” This collaborative approach distinguishes Blommer in an industry where innovation typically happens behind closed doors.
The timing of this expansion is particularly significant given the ongoing global cocoa shortage. As manufacturers face unprecedented challenges, Blommer’s enhanced R&D capabilities offer potential solutions through ingredient optimization and alternative formulations. This positions the company not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner in navigating industry challenges.
Blommer’s Industry Leadership and Global Impact
As North America’s largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier, Blommer has shaped the chocolate industry since 1939. The company became a subsidiary of Fuji Oil Holdings in 2018, expanding its global reach and technical capabilities. This combination of American heritage and international resources gives Blommer unique perspective on chocolate innovation.
Blommer’s core competencies extend beyond manufacturing to include specialized expertise in:
- Cocoa bean processing and selection
- Chocolate manufacturing across various applications
- Commodity risk management
- Product and process R&D
Beyond commercial success, Blommer has established itself as a leader in sustainable cocoa farming. As a founding member of the World Cocoa Foundation, the company has championed ethical sourcing practices throughout the industry. Their private farmer programs in Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador demonstrate a commitment to improving conditions at the source of chocolate production.
Innovation remains central to Blommer’s strategy, as evidenced by their recent collaboration with DouxMatok to develop reduced-sugar chocolate products. These formulations maintain the indulgent experience consumers expect while addressing growing health concerns. Similar innovation can be seen in creative applications like show-stopping chocolate cakes that demonstrate the versatility of Blommer’s ingredients.
Expansion Beyond Chicago: Building a North American Network
The Chicago innovation hub represents just one component of Blommer’s comprehensive growth strategy. The company is investing $60 million to expand its Campbellford, Ontario facility, with completion expected by April 2026. An additional $40 million is earmarked for improvements at facilities in East Greenville, PA and Union City, CA. This coordinated expansion across North America strengthens Blommer’s production capacity while enhancing regional capabilities.
These investments position Blommer to address evolving market demands with greater agility. The distributed manufacturing network reduces logistical challenges while enabling specialized production at each location. For example, the seasonal chocolate production that drives holiday sales requires flexible capacity that this expanded network provides.
For food manufacturers and entrepreneurs developing new products, Blommer’s enhanced capabilities offer compelling advantages. The combination of scientific resources, production expertise, and collaborative approach creates opportunities for innovation at any scale. Whether you’re launching a startup chocolate brand or reformulating an established product line, Blommer’s expanded R&D network provides valuable support.
Looking ahead, Blommer appears positioned to maintain its industry leadership despite challenging market conditions. The $100 million investment across North America demonstrates confidence in chocolate’s continued relevance and growth potential. By balancing tradition with innovation, Blommer continues a legacy that began in Chicago over eight decades ago while preparing for whatever the future of chocolate holds.
For more information on Blommer Chocolate Company and its products, visit www.blommer.com. Chocolate enthusiasts interested in supporting innovative dessert creators can also submit a favorite local dessert shop to our business directory or share your own dessert recipe to be featured on our site.