Inside that warehouse, up to 800,000 pounds of chocolates are produced each year and shipped to its stores, other retail locations — including over 100 Kroger locations — and mail orders to all 50 states and Canada.
During production season from September to April, Dressman said between 7,000 and 8,000 pounds of chocolates are made each day by 120 employees.
“When we make it, we make a lot of it,” Dressman said. “Each day we start from scratch; everything we cook that day we coat that day.”
The company then drops to 60 employees during the remaining months at its retail storefronts across Dayton and Cincinnati.
Dressman said the chocolates produced during those 30 weeks from September to April will last the company through its mega holiday season starting with Sweetest Day in October and ending with Easter in April.
ESTHER PRICE CANDIES
By the Numbers
700,000 to 800,000 pounds of chocolates made and sold each year
7,000 to 8,000 pounds of chocolates made each day during production
40,000 pounds of bulk chocolate shipped in every 10 days
5,000 pounds of chocolate melted every day
120 employees during production months
60 employees the rest of the year
500,000 1-pound boxes of assorted chocolates sold each year
40,000 boxes of chocolate covered potato chips sold each year
162,000 chocolate eggs sold at Easter time
50,000 chocolate rabbits sold at Easter time
40 pounds is the largest size of chocolate bunny produced
2,500 Easter baskets sold each Easter season
Source: Doug Dressman, vice president, Esther Price
About the Author