History of Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli, founded in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli in San Francisco, is one of the oldest chocolate companies in the United States. Initially a small Italian-owned confectionery shop, it quickly grew into a leading chocolate brand. Ghirardelli revolutionized chocolate making by introducing high-quality cocoa beans and innovative processing techniques, leading to smoother, richer chocolate products. The company became widely known for its signature squares and a variety of premium chocolates.
Over the years, Ghirardelli expanded its reach, both nationally and internationally, becoming synonymous with high-end chocolate products. In 1965, the brand was acquired by the American consumer goods company, the Golden Grain Company, later known as the Quaker Oats Company, which further bolstered Ghirardelli’s presence in the market. Today, it is recognized as one of the premier chocolate makers in the world, with a reputation for quality and craftsmanship that has been maintained for over 170 years.