Everyone loves chocolate, right? Soon, chocolate will be right next to home.
Canadian chocolate manufacturer Chewters Chocolates is making its mark in Texas with the construction of a $20.5 million production facility in Rockwall. Known for its organic, low-sugar ChocoXO brand, the company aims to bolster its presence in the U.S. market while continuing its mission to offer indulgent yet healthier chocolate options.
Set to break ground in January 2025, the 225,000-square-foot facility will be located at 2911 Discovery Blvd within the Rockwall Technology Park, just East of Dallas. The new location will feature manufacturing lines, warehouse space, corporate offices, and even a retail outlet where visitors can purchase ChocoXO products directly from the production floor. The project is expected to be operational by mid-2026.
Students like freshman Avani Raghuwanshi believe the company will be successful in North Texas.
“People love chocolate, especially younger kids and teens,” Raghuwanshi said. “So, they’ll be more willing to buy something they like.”
Chewters Chocolates, based in Delta, British Columbia, sees the DFW area as an ideal logistics hub. The location allows for efficient distribution across the United States, aligning with the company’s goal of meeting growing consumer demand for organic and low-sugar chocolates. Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (EDC) played a pivotal role in attracting Chewters to the area. According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the development represents a significant investment in both the facility and the community.
Phil Wagner, President of Rockwall EDC, emphasized the economic benefits of the project, noting that the facility will diversify the city’s tax base and reinforce Rockwall’s position as a business-friendly destination. The ChocoXO project will join other notable companies in the 550-acre Rockwall Technology Park, including Bimbo Bakeries USA and Pegasus Foods.
Chewters Chocolates was founded in 1984 and has built a reputation for innovation and quality. Its ChocoXO brand, introduced as a ‘better-for-you’ option, is crafted using organically farmed cocoa beans and features significantly less sugar than traditional chocolates without relying on artificial sweeteners. All ChocoXO products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free, and Kosher-certified.
The company’s main facility in Delta spans 60,000 square feet and is fully automated. By adding the Rockwall location, Chewters plans to triple its production capabilities, adding up to four production lines and creating over 120 new jobs. Rockwall will also serve as the U.S. headquarters for ChocoXO, complementing Chewters’ current operations in Dallas.
The new facility represents a significant step forward for Chewters in both scale and design. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, the site will include retail space, glass viewing halls, and sustainability. The design and construction are being handled by Fort Worth-based Design-Build Constructors, ensuring that the facility aligns with modern manufacturing standards.
Beyond the direct economic impact of the project, the ChocoXO factory is expected to enhance Rockwall’s appeal as a destination for both residents and tourists. The factory’s retail and tour offerings promise to attract chocolate enthusiasts, further boosting local businesses. Moreover, the new jobs created by the facility will contribute to the area’s economic vitality, offering opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
Some students, such as freshman Austin Markel are very skeptical that this healthy approach is a good idea.
“I think it is very cool that they are making low sugar and healthier chocolate options,” Markel said. “But, it can also be bad if people don’t like it. Not a lot of candy that other companies make is healthy and also tastes good.”
The Rockwall EDC’s vision for the technology park includes fostering innovation across industries, and Chewters fits seamlessly into that framework. Wagner highlighted that this partnership not only supports the city’s economic goals but also enhances its reputation as a leader in attracting global brands.
Chewters’ focus on customer satisfaction, innovation, and sustainability underpins its success. The company prides itself on crafting indulgent chocolates that prioritize taste while maintaining health-conscious profiles. Its leadership team, including President Peter Higgins, brings decades of experience in chocolate production, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.
Higgins, who has traveled extensively to study cocoa production, emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients. This dedication to excellence is a cornerstone of the ChocoXO brand, which has quickly gained popularity among consumers seeking better-for-you treats.
“They’ve been fantastic partners,” Higgins said in a statement with the Working For All Alike News channel. “I think the DFW area is fantastic from a logistics standpoint, specifically for our customers throughout the U.S.”