**Cerreta Candy Company: A Sweet Legacy in Arizona**
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In the heart of Glendale, Arizona, the Cerreta Candy Company has been a sweet staple since its establishment in 1968. Known for its artisanal, “old-fashioned” confections, including taffy and creams, the family-run business has maintained its commitment to traditional methods while welcoming a new generation into the fold.
Tony Cerreta, the company’s fourth-generation president, reflects on the origins of the enterprise, which was founded by his grandfather. Having migrated from Canton, Ohio, with eight children and just a single piece of equipment, his grandfather laid the foundations of what would become a beloved local brand. Tony proudly notes that his grandfather honed his skills in the candy-making trade under the guidance of his father-in-law, who owned the Ben Heggy Candy Company in Canton.
Fast forward nearly six decades, and the Cerreta Candy Company still prides itself on producing traditional sweets in line with the recipes of yesteryear. According to Tony, the company has stayed true to the “old-fashioned style candy” that captivated customers in the mid-20th century. “A lot of traditional candy made between the 1930s and 1970s has remained staples in our production,” he explains. Popular offerings include melt-aways, brittles, barks, and, notably, their famous French Mint candy—a creation crafted by the founder specifically for his wife.
The candy factory operates daily, with the production capacity varying from an absence of outputs to creating several thousand pounds in one day. Each day, up to 20 different types of candy are made, ensuring a colourful variety for their clientele. A highlight of the production process is a machine called the Chocolate Enrober, which envelops an array of treats like pretzels, creams, and marshmallows in rich chocolate.
As president of this small family enterprise, Tony is heavily involved in its day-to-day operations. His responsibilities encompass everything from planning the production schedule to sourcing ingredients and negotiating with vendors. Other family members take on key roles as well, contributing their skills in accounting, custom chocolate bar creation, and factory tours.
The Cerreta Candy Company ethos emphasizes quality and craftsmanship, encapsulated by their dedication to authentic, handmade production methods. The company’s website states, “It’s this deep family involvement and time-honoured techniques that ensure the highest possible quality and homemade taste of every piece of Cerreta candy.” While its primary market lies within the Phoenix area, the company has expanded its reach across Arizona and beyond, delivering sweet treats to customers nationwide.
When discussing the legacy of Cerreta Candy Company, Tony highlights the intertwined themes of family and community. The bonds that unite the Cerretas extend beyond bloodlines—employees and their families, along with visiting guests and communities, are integral to the business’s fabric. He reflects on the joy of seeing generations return to the factory, sharing experiences reminiscent of their childhoods. “For many, it’s about getting their Easter candy from their grandma at Cerreta and now providing that joy to their own children,” he shares.
In addition to producing confections, Cerreta Candy Company opens its doors for daily factory tours and special activities for families and groups. Tony describes these initiatives as “a lot of fun for everybody,” emphasising the company’s commitment to fostering community engagement. The confectionery experience offers insights into the candy-making process while reminding visitors of sweeter times and cherished traditions.
Ultimately, the Cerreta Candy Company stands as a testament to how family values can endure and thrive through generations in the business world. In an age where industrialisation often overshadows personal connection, this candy factory in Arizona carries forth a legacy not only of delicious treats but of familial ties that bind generations in sweet harmony.