The Wilbur Story
160 Years in Bite-Sized Moments
Our story starts with the man whose last name is still swirled into every Bud we make: Henry Oscar Wilbur.
Wilbur Timeline
1860s
H.O. Wilbur was running a hardware and stove operation in New Jersey when an enticing opportunity arose: entering the confections trade with businessman Samuel Croft. The partners started a business in Philadelphia making hard molasses candy.
1884
The venture flourished for nearly 20 years before dividing in two. Mr. Wilbur formed H.O. Wilbur & Sons to specialize in chocolate, recruiting his three sons to join him and integrating European techniques.
1887
The company introduced its first logo, a winged cherub presiding over a cup of steaming cocoa. He was christened the “Stirring Cupid.”
1894
Mr. Wilbur hit on a delectable concept, developing a process to form specially blended cocoa into bite-sized morsels. Enter the Wilbur Bud, America’s first chocolate drop.
1894
A third generation entered the picture, and Lawrence H. Wilbur developed a machine to individually package Buds. (Yes, they were once foil-wrapped!)
Late 1920s
Chocolatemakers unite: After several prosperous decades, the business merged with Swiss chocolatemaker Suchard as well as Brewster-Ideal, becoming Wilbur-Suchard and operating out of Philadelphia, Newark, and Lititz. Not long after, all operations consolidated to Lititz.
1959
The business officially became Wilbur Chocolate Company, coinciding with its 75th anniversary.
1992
Wilbur Chocolate was acquired by Cargill, a worldwide food group with a commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients in a sustainable way.
On Wilbur Buds:
“Wonderful bits of goodness made under a formula more than 50 years old to produce a rich dark vanilla chocolate of outstanding character.”
— company literature, 1940
A Small Chocolate Drop with a Big Following
When H.O. Wilbur first concocted Wilbur Buds in 1894, he hardly could have predicted his signature treat would be savored for generations.
Back then, chocolate was commonly manufactured as bars. His velvety smooth drops, made by pouring a rich chocolate blend into intricate metal molds, were a deliciously simple alternative. These “Buds” were named for their flower-like silhouette and came to fame for their rich, creamy flavor.
So much has changed since then. And yet Wilbur Buds remain comfortingly familiar. They’re still made according to Mr. Wilbur’s timeless recipe and deliver that classic taste families keep falling in love with.
Watch the Magic Happen
Yes, we still make many of our most popular treats in-house. You’ll be able to watch our chocolatiers dip, stir, and sprinkle your favorite Wilbur goodies while you shop. Our full collection of chocolate is all right here: handcrafted candy, Wilbur Buds, delicious gifts, and more.