> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cocoaradar.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Blommer shifts its focus to R&D with new centre in Chicago - URL: https://cocoaradar.com/blommer-shifts-its-focus-to-r-d-with-new-centre-in-chicago/ - Published: 2025-04-02T13:34:53.000Z - Updated: 2025-04-02T13:34:52.000Z - Description: Top US cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier Blommer Chocolate Company has launched a state-of-the-art R&D Center in Chicago - Author: Anthony Myers - Tags: Blommer, chocolate, R&D Blommer said the R&D Center will focus on future development, concept testing, processing & ingredient research, and application creation. Mark Okita, COO and president, said: “The R&D Center is a place where anyone can discuss new chocolate ideas with Blommer members, regardless of scale. Establishing this Center in the Mart, located in downtown Chicago, a city known for its candy culture, holds significant value. Blommer’s R&D Center will be a sweet destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.” ## Sign up for From The Desk of CocoaRadar 'From our desk to yours'. Join 1,000 + subscribers and receive our daily newsletter on what matters in cocoa. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Rich history The R&D Center is intentionally designed to showcase the rich history of Blommer and advance the company’s mission to enhance research & development and elevate creative solutions in compound and chocolate technology. A 5,000 ft2 expansion, resulting in a 10,000 ft2 R&D Center, it opens two years after Blommer moved their HQ offices to the Merchandise Mart district of Chicago and one year after the historic Chicago manufacturing plant closed. “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 center honours Blommer's history and paves the way for next-generation chocolate products, inspiring the industry's future,” said Tomoki Matsumoto, CEO and chairman. The space is also built to be “super collaborative, enabling on-site customer and partner engagements, plus hosting industry community experiences”. ### Development labs The new development labs are outfitted to enable end-to-end processing from chocolate liquor to finished product application. [DOWNLOAD: Anatomy of a Global Cocoa Supply ChainObtain this exclusive and stunning infographic that maps out the complexities of the global cocoa supply chain - along with a 10-page spotlight paper at no cost. Download it today.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/e5/42e56cb4-2135-4886-b7a8-860153b64965/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-74.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadarAnthony Myers![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/e5/42e56cb4-2135-4886-b7a8-860153b64965/content/images/thumbnail/310125-Anatomy_Infographic_design-proof_sponge_blur-1.jpg)](https://cocoaradar.com/download-anatomy-of-a-global-cocoa-supply-chain/) A company spokesperson said the equipment replicates Blommer’s manufacturing production capabilities to aid in product customer sample development, innovation, and new business development, and it also adds analytical instrument capability. Additionally, the expansion allows for more focused customer hospitality and supports employees’ workplace wellbeing with ample room for staffing expansion needs. ### About Blommer Founded in 1939, [Blommer Chocolate Company](http://www.blommer.com/?ref=cocoaradar.com) is a cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. The company provides comprehensive business solutions for domestic and international customers of all sizes in the confectionery, baking, and dairy industries. Among Blommer’s core competencies are cocoa bean processing, chocolate manufacturing, commodity risk management, and product and process R&D. The company is a leader in advancing sustainable cocoa farming as a founding member of the World Cocoa Foundation and through its privately managed farmer programmes in Cote d'Ivoire and Ecuador. --- [ ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/e5/42e56cb4-2135-4886-b7a8-860153b64965/content/images/2025/03/aPfS5exNWPYmpJyTziJ3GHeWvLBsUzkRAXyZ0u7l-3.png) Schoggifestival The Schoggifestival in Zurich showcases a new generation of cocoa and chocolate producers, NGOs, and research institutes, combining enjoyment with responsible action. Cocoaradar.com is the official media partner for this event. ](https://schoggifestival.ch/en/home-2/?ref=cocoaradar.com)