Harbor Sweets - Vendor Profile

Harbor Sweets

In 1973, Ben Strohecker challenged himself to create the "best piece of candy in the world", regardless of cost. The result from his kitchen was the Sweet Sloops®, a sailboat shaped piece of almond butter crunch, covered in white chocolate dipped in dark chocolate and crushed pecans.

Twenty-five years ago a partnership started to emerge when a Salem State College sophomore applied for a job as a part-time chocolate dipper at a tiny new candy factory on the Salem, Massachusetts waterfront...a candy factory which had just expanded from the candy maker’s kitchen.

Since that time the college sophomore took on more operational, financial and marketing responsibilities (wedging in a Master’s Degree in Business Management, nights and weekends) and fifteen years ago was elected President of the Company. The owner of the candy factory, meanwhile, worked just as hard, but for fewer hours, while also pursuing watercolors and an improved first serve.

We are delighted to announce the twenty-five year partnership has been reversed: the part-time candy dipper now owns a controlling interest in the company, and has prevailed on the former owner to continue to help out for a few more years, a pleasant task since we both share a dedication to protect the policies that make Harbor Sweets different...policies like fresh butter, fresh cream, no preservatives, the best chocolate, the best service, and a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

This is a heartwarming story, a story of the miracles which still can happen in our country.

We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing the best gift chocolates in the world, and in spite of our encouraging growth, we remain committed to be small, friendly, fiercely independent and in touch with our blessings. Blessings like you.

Harbor Sweets is located at 85 Leavitt Street, Salem, MA 01970 United States