The main component of chocolates is cocoa beans. Normally, cocoa beans grow within 20 degrees of the equator. For any occasion and event, it is very essential to have chocolate, especially for chocolate lovers, we all know how is chocolate made. One such popular brand is Ghirardelli which is famous for making chocolate from the scratch. Continue reading this article to know where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans from. We will be walking you through the steps of making chocolate and will also look into who owns Ghirardelli chocolate.
1. What is a Ghirardelli?
Ghirardelli is a chocolate manufacturing company that makes chocolate from scratch. Starting from the cocoa beans to the completely processed chocolates, a lot of people in the United States relish the taste of Ghirardelli and the brand is known for its sustainability. (Also Read Where are Ghirardelli Chocolates Made?)
2. What is the Ghirardelli Chocolate History?
Let us begin with the Ghirardelli chocolate history. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a well-known confectioner in San Francisco. Ghirardelli is the oldest chocolate manufacturer in America which has been in business for 160 years. Domenico Ghirardelli started his business in San Francisco in 1852. Domenico was an Italian candy maker who learned to make chocolate from a young lad. He moved to Uruguay when he was 20 years old to work in the coffee and chocolate industry. Later, he moved to Peru to start his own business. Even after learning about the gold rush in 1849, Domenico didn’t make plans to relocate to California and build a store in Stockton.
A few days apart in 1851 he opened a second shop in San Francisco. Before opening the store that would become Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., Domenico owned a coffee shop in San Francisco. In 1852 the business was formally incorporated. Keep on reading to know where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans.
3. What is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Origin Country?
By reading the Ghirardelli chocolate history, we are aware that chocolate was founded by Domenico Ghirardelli, a native of Italy who was born in Rapallo in 1817. However, the Ghirardelli chocolate origin country is San Francisco, United States. He provided chocolate, coffee, and other goods to the gold miners before opening a store in San Francisco in 1852.
Domingo Ghirardelli left the business to his sons in 1892. The company acquired a block in San Francisco that was bordered by Beach, Polk, Larkin, and North Point Streets in 1893. Luckily, this area was not affected by the 1906 earthquake and fire. After that, Ghirardelli started to build more buildings. These new buildings were called Ghirardelli Square. Read What is Hardee’s Fiery Sauce?
4. Where does Ghirardelli Get their Cocoa Beans?
Let us get to the answer of where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans. They get their cocoa beans from Ghana. They have a distinct share of the cocoa, for the consumer cocoa the largest share is 90-95% and their total cocoa is farmed globally in West Africa. Moreover, they use Forastero beans.
5. Is Ghirardelli the Oldest Running Chocolate Factory in the United States?
Yes, they are. Ghirardelli opened his first general store in the United States in 1849 in San Francisco which is also the Ghirardelli chocolate origin country. It was at the intersection of Broadway and Battery. He started the third store at Kearny and Washington streets shortly within a few years. This store was called Ghirardelli & Girard and later became the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Ghirardelli is the oldest chocolate factory in the US. Ghirardelli opened in 1852 before Hershey opened its doors in 1894 and Nestlé Toll House began operation in 1939.
6. Does Ghirardelli Chocolate have Caffeine?
Yes, they have caffeine. Very little caffeine is found in chocolate. Coffee is also important in chocolate as it affects the caffeine content. Milk chocolate has 6 mg per ounce of caffeine, white chocolate has no caffeine, and dark chocolate has 20 mg per ounce. Different types of cocoa beans have different amounts of caffeine and thus, you get the answer to whether does Ghirardelli chocolate have caffeine. (Also See How Are Jelly Beans Made?)
7. Does Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate have Caffeine?
No, they do not contain Caffeine. However, to drink hot chocolate you need to have caffeine. This is because of the health benefits related to Caffeine. Hot chocolate requires a modest quantity of caffeine. Apart from its concerning effects on the central nervous system, caffeine also acts as a stimulant. You’ll become more attentive and relaxed after a few days.
Things that have benefits also have disadvantages. In addition to causing insomnia and anxiety, ingesting a lot of it can have negative repercussions. Cocoa and chocolate syrup are used to make hot chocolate. It is known that hot chocolate contains dairy, cream, and other ingredients that would not be able to reduce them. Therefore, choose your intake properly and wisely.
8. How is Ghirardelli Working with Sustainability?
Ghirardelli puts sustainability in the first place. So, where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans from? It obtains its cocoa beans from the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program. The program was started in Ghana in 2008. In the following years, it has been started in other countries such as Ecuador, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea. They strive to make sure people get the financial assistance they need. Check out What does it Mean by CAVA Splendid Greens?
9. Where is Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory?
We have learned everything about the history and origin of the Ghirardelli chocolates and we know that they are made in San Francisco. Therefore, Ghirardelli square is considered the Ghirardelli chocolate factory in San Francisco. The answer to who owns Ghirardelli chocolate is Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli.
10. How did Ghirardelli Square become Famous?
After years of successful chocolate sales, in 1893, the company purchased the Pioneer Woolen Building on San Francisco’s northern shore, which is now Ghirardelli Square. After the 1906 earthquake, a large part of Francisco was destroyed. However, Ghirardelli’s production facilities were not destroyed and continued 10 days later. We know about the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory which was eventually sold in the year 1962. This is where Ghirardelli square becomes famous. Must read What Time does 711 Start Selling Beer in the United States?
11. What is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Price?
The Ghirardelli chocolate price starts from $7.18 and has different flavors ranging from different prices.
12. What is Ghirardelli’s Net Worth?
We know that the Ghirardelli chocolate price varies however when a company is set up, they have profit and loss. The total net worth of the company annually is estimated to be around $175.4 million.
Ghirardelli is the most famous chocolate found in the United States. Looking for sustainability it was always a question of where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans from. They buy certified palm oil keeping this factor in mind. By 2020, the cocoa bean supply chain has been 100 percent traceable and independently validated. The chocolates have caffeine and they vary in price. If you are willing to buy any of the Ghirardelli chocolates you may also place orders online. (Also read How much is the Scoville Level of Takis Chips?)