Elmer Chocolate

Elmer Chocolate is one of the nation's leading seasonal chocolatiers and the largest manufacturer of small heart-shaped chocolate boxes in the United States. In 2025, they became part of Hoffmann Family of Companies. The Elmer story began in 1855 with New Orleans pastry chef Christopher Henry Miller. The business later evolved into Elmer Candy Corporation when Miller’s son-in-law, Augustus Elmer, and his descendants joined the enterprise. In the 1960s, Roy Nelson acquired the company’s confectionery arm, steering it toward seasonal chocolates. By 1970, he and his son Allan had consolidated manufacturing in Ponchatoula, Louisiana—laying the groundwork for Elmer’s rise as a national confectionery leader. In 2016, Elmer further solidified its market presence by expanding its production facility by 70,000 square feet, bringing the total footprint to more than 400,000 square feet. The expansion positioned Elmer Chocolate as the most technologically advanced assorted chocolate manufacturer and packer in the industry. With a rich legacy and iconic product lineup, Elmer has become a staple in American celebrations. Elmer has earned national recognition for their Celebrate with Chocolate Valentine’s Day assorted chocolate hearts with more than 40 million sold annually across North America. Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs are the iconic Easter candy brands in the New Orleans market that have been present at Easter celebrations for over a century.