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From Molten Chocolate To Sugary Swirls: Peek Behind The Curtain At Glendale’s Beloved Cerreta Candy Factory

  • Attraction: Cerreta Candy Company
  • Location: 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
  • Industry: Candy Factory, Sweets Shop
  • Website: https://cerreta.com/

The moment you step through the doors of Cerreta Candy Company, the intoxicating aroma of freshly made chocolates and candies envelops you like a sweet embrace.

For over 55 years, this family-owned candy factory has been creating handcrafted confections using time-honored recipes and vintage machinery, some dating back to 1913, while offering visitors the magical experience of watching chocolate dreams come to life on the factory floor.

Sweet Factory Experience

Guided Factory Tours: Take a fascinating 30-minute guided tour that reveals the mesmerizing art of candy-making from start to finish.

Watch as cream centers are expertly enrobed in luscious chocolate, witness the intricate assembly lines in action, and learn about the traditional techniques that have been passed down through four generations of the Cerreta family.

Live Production Viewing: See actual candy production happening before your eyes as skilled craftspeople hand-dip chocolates, operate vintage machinery, and create the perfect confections. The working factory atmosphere makes you feel like you’re getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at chocolate magic.

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Hands-On Chocolate Decorating: VIP tour packages include the opportunity for children and adults to decorate their own chocolate creations. Kids especially love decorating chocolate bears with plenty of frosting and extras to create their edible masterpieces.

Educational Experience: Learn about the origins of chocolate, sugar, nuts, and other ingredients through informative displays and knowledgeable tour guides who share the fascinating history of candy-making and the Cerreta family legacy.

Self-Guided Video Tours: When guided tours aren’t available, visitors can enjoy self-guided experiences using TV monitors that explain the candy-making process and company history.

Signature Confections & Specialties

Famous French Mint: The crown jewel of Cerreta’s creations, affectionately known as “the green one,” combines rich chocolate with peppermint oil enrobed in a distinctive pastel green coating.

This delectable treat has been a consistent top-seller since the early days when Jim Cerreta Sr.’s wife famously ate all the samples before he could even ask for feedback.

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Gourmet Chocolates: From creamy caramels to rich toffees and delicate truffles, every piece is crafted using traditional recipes that have remained unchanged for decades. The dedication to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every bite.

Specialty Items: Discover unique creations like chocolate-covered brittles, artisanal popcorn, and seasonal specialties that showcase the company’s creativity and expertise.

Over 100 Products: The extensive product line includes chocolates, toffees, brittle, caramels, and innovative treats that cater to every sweet tooth and dietary preference.

Made-to-Order Items: Custom chocolates and special occasion treats allow customers to create personalized gifts and celebration confections.

Family Legacy & Authentic Craftsmanship

Four Generations of Excellence: Founded in 1923 by Jim Cerreta Sr., who learned candy-making in his father-in-law’s Canton, Ohio factory, the business now involves four generations of Cerretas who continue the tradition of handcrafted excellence.

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Vintage Machinery: The factory still uses original equipment from 1913, creating an authentic atmosphere where traditional candy-making methods produce consistently superior results. This commitment to old-world techniques sets Cerreta apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Extensive Gift Shop: Browse an impressive array of fresh confections, gift boxes, seasonal specialties, and Cerreta-branded merchandise. The shop features everything from individual treats to elaborate gift assortments perfect for any occasion.

Generous Sampling: Tour participants enjoy samples throughout their visit, allowing them to taste the quality and craftsmanship firsthand. The sampling experience often leads to difficult decisions in the gift shop – many visitors just get “one of each.”

Atmosphere & Educational Value

Willy Wonka Magic: Visitors consistently describe feeling like extras in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” with the combination of sweet aromas, working machinery, and chocolate everywhere creating pure sensory delight.

Tour Scheduling: Factory tours run Monday through Friday at 10am and 1pm, with additional tours available for groups of 30 or more. Calling ahead is recommended to ensure machines will be running during your visit.

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Pricing Options: Basic tours cost $7 per person, while VIP packages with chocolate decorating range from $13-16 per person, providing excellent value for the experience and samples included.

Accessibility: The factory accommodates visitors of all ages and abilities, making it perfect for family outings, field trips, and group celebrations.


Cerreta Candy Company
📍 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Writer: Julie Moretti
Click to read bio

Julie is a freelance writer who fell in love with Arizona’s desert beauty after moving to Phoenix for a marketing job over a decade ago. She now spends her weekends hiking in the mountains, exploring quirky roadside attractions, and tracking down the best Mexican food around Tucson.