Fifty years ago, Harbor Sweets' founder, Ben Strohecker, challenged himself to create "the best chocolates in the world, regardless of cost". The result from his kitchen in Marblehead, MA was Sweet Sloops, a sailboat shaped piece of almond butter crunch with white chocolate sails, dark chocolate hull and pecan spindrift washing her sides. Shortly after Ben moved the company out of his basement, and into the brick factory on the Salem, Massachusetts waterfront where we continue to produce delicious handmade chocolates today. Harbor Sweets has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1973.
In 1978, while studying business at Salem State University, Phyllis LeBlanc joined Harbor Sweets in the role of chocolate dipper, working her way up to President & CEO of the Company. In 1998, Phyllis purchased Harbor Sweets from Ben where she continued his legacy of producing the best chocolates in the world while supporting the community and providing an ethical and inclusive workplace.
During her tenure with Harbor Sweets, Phyllis grew the business with new chocolate creations including; Dark Horse Chocolates (her graduate school project), Salt & Ayre, Gather Chocolate, the Golf Collection and acquired the hot cocoa company, Cocoa Santé. In 2022, Phyllis sold the company, but continues to serve management in an advisory capacity.
Today, this women-led company employs close to 100 people. The mission continues to be producing the best chocolates in the world with Sweet Sloops and the Nautical Collection remaining the foundation of this growing business. Our most important focus, celebrating the sweetest moments in life with our loyal customers!