It was a weekend of paradise for chocolate lovers as both Daffin's Candies and Philadelphia Candies gave customers a behind-the-scenes peak at their factories. "My mother and father felt that the people in the community, they do so much for us that we wanted to do something for them at Easter time," said Diane Daffin, Vice President of Daffin's Candies. The folks over at Philadelphia's Candies agree. "All these little kids are ecstatic to be here. I mean, it's the highlight of their day," said Spyros Macris, president of the company.
The once-a-year tours drew out smiles from hundreds with a sweet tooth. "The chocolate is so good," said one little girl. "I'm just so happy to be here," said her friend.
The size of the crowds indicate what recent statistics are showing; That chocolate sales are up across the country. "It's booming. We have not felt any repercussions from the economy," said Daffin.
Local chocolate factories say it's the quality of their chocolate that keeps customers like these coming back year after year. "That's why I enjoy every single piece of chocolate in here, because of the quality," said Macris. "Now I might like some more than others because of personal taste, but the quality's in every piece."
Combine that quality with the fun, family-friendly atmosphere and the sense of tradition, and it's clear. Both Daffin's, which has been around for 60 years, and Philadelphia Candies, which is celebrating its 90th year, prove they have cooked up a recipe for continued success. "I will definitely be back year after year, because this is pretty neat, you know?" said Angie Loreno from Greenville.
