Made in the Valley: G. Debbas Chocolatier
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local company has put Fresno on the map for its sweet treats like truffles, chocolates and more.
Today, we take a closer look at the work it takes to make millions of bars of artisan chocolates
Breaking down chocolate never looked so tasty. Inside G. Debbas Chocolatier in east central Fresno, chocolate is their passion.
"I grew up in chocolate. Chocolate is in my blood and so one of the things I love about it is creativity," said Max Debbas, G. Debbas Chocolatier.
Max Debbas is in charge of research and development at the company. His father started the company with a few truffles and big dreams.
"Forty years in we're now doing chocolate for a lot of the big name retailers across the United States and Canada," said Debbas.
The company makes chocolates for private labels that you can find in big box stores. Their own label is also sold at stores like Cost Plus and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Making artisan chocolate all starts with the bean. "Everything is pure 100 percent real chocolate," said Debbas.
The business buys chocolate from a co-op in Ecuador and uses three different varieties to make its confections. It takes a lot of chocolate to make the sweet treats. In fact the Fresno facility goes through 15-20 thousand pounds of chocolate per day.
About 20 full time chocolatiers are involved in the hand crafted process from start to finish. "There's nothing better than seeing somebody try something you've created and seeing a smile on their face."
Recently, Debbas started a new venture called the Cocoa Crate. "We'll send fresh chocolates to you every month or to the chocoholic of your choice," said Max.
People across the country have signed up for the subscription box.
While their chocolates have reached chocolate lovers across North America, they're proud of the products the company has created. "Our joke is always, 'We're from Fresno, the chocolate capital of the world.' It always gives someone a laugh, but it is true we are the food capital of the world and we're proud to be here," Max said.
