29-Jan-22 – The science of chocolate is moving forward with a new research and development lab opening soon in River North.

Blommer Chocolate Company says the lab at Merchandise Mart will be open to the public.

The new lab will have two kitchens – one for working with chocolate and the other for baking and frying. The chocolate kitchen, temperature and humidity-controlled and containing equipment needed for confectionery work such as moulding and panning, will open into a larger space and be used for training and demonstrations. The kitchen will be a collaborative space for use by the company and its customers starting in February.

“We are looking forward to hosting customers,” said Marie Loewen, Blommer’s R&D Corporate Manager. “The new lab has been thoughtfully designed to be a functional workspace for the team with a welcoming atmosphere for collaborating with customers.”

Blommer is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. One of its four plants is located at 600 West Kinzie Street in River North.