Forbes Chocolate BP

- 800 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44147

Forbes Chocolate BP, located in the Cleveland, Ohio area, represents one of the region's deepest roots in the confectionery and food manufacturing industry. Established way back in 1901 by Benjamin P. Forbes, who even worked for the legendary Milton Hershey, the company has a long and storied history of being an innovator in the world of chocolate. The 'BP' in the name is a direct nod to the founder, signifying Benjamin P. Forbes, whose entrepreneurial spirit continues to define the brand’s dedication to quality powdered food ingredients.

Unlike a traditional retail storefront where you pick up a truffle or a pre-made box of candy, the Forbes Chocolate BP location at 800 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy functions primarily as a sophisticated chocolate factory and manufacturing hub. Its central role is the development and blending of cocoa and flavor powders used by other major food and beverage manufacturers—from dairies and ice cream producers to bakeries and nutraceutical companies. This means that while local Ohioans may not buy a single chocolate bar directly from this facility's counter, the chocolate base and flavor for many of the "Great desserts" enjoyed across the state originate right here in Cleveland.

The company’s most famous contribution to the industry, and arguably to the breakfast tables of Ohioans for generations, was the development of a powdered chocolate mix for flavored milk in the late 1920s. This innovation replaced the traditional syrup method and forever changed the way chocolate milk was made, cementing the company’s legacy. Today, the facility continues this tradition by producing a vast array of high-quality powders, chocolate chips, and flavor inclusions for industrial use, making it an essential, though behind-the-scenes, provider of your favorite chocolate flavor profiles.

For those involved in logistics or industrial visits, the location is noted for its smooth operation. Customer reviews often relate to the efficiency of the industrial side of the business, with comments praising the "quick loading/unloading" times and "plenty of truck space." This efficiency in the manufacturing and distribution process is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and service on a large, commercial scale, ensuring their key ingredients get quickly and reliably into the hands of the manufacturers who make those delicious final products for consumers.

The facility maintains a professional, industrial focus, which is common for a chocolate factory of this stature. However, its classification as a "Chocolate shop" is likely derived from its historical connection to the chocolate-making tradition and the availability of some commercial product sales, primarily through bulk and industrial orders, rather than a walk-in retail counter. Nevertheless, this Cleveland location remains a vital and historic chocolate landmark within the Ohio business landscape.

Forbes Chocolate BP is strategically located in an industrial park in the Greater Cleveland area, positioning it as a key manufacturing and distribution center for food ingredients. The location is optimized for business operations, logistics, and supply chain efficiency, which is reflected in the ease of truck access mentioned in customer feedback.

The full address is: 800 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44147, USA.

The facility is designed with professional accessibility in mind, accommodating commercial visitors and deliveries:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: The main entrances are structured to provide easy access for all visitors, including those utilizing wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Dedicated, clearly marked parking is available near the entrance to ensure convenience and compliance for all commercial guests.

As an industrial park location, it is important for local users to note that this is primarily a business-to-business (B2B) operation, not a traditional retail store with display cases of candies. Any "Quick visit" is typically related to appointments, order pickups, or business-related matters rather than casual retail shopping.

The services provided by Forbes Chocolate BP are centered around its function as a developer and manufacturer of high-quality powdered food ingredients for the broader food and beverage industry.

• Cocoa Powder and Flavor Blending: Specialization in custom blending cocoa powders across various colors, fat ranges, and flavors (including vanilla, strawberry, root beer, and others) for industrial clients.
• Ingredient Manufacturing: Production of chocolate chips, drops, chunks, and liquor for use by ice cream manufacturers, bakeries, and other food producers.
• Industrial Order & Fulfillment: Efficient handling and processing of large-volume orders, with a focus on quick and easy loading/unloading for commercial carriers.
• Product Development & Consultation: Working with food research and development teams to create custom flavor profiles and ensure products meet specific industry standards and nutritional requirements.
• Dessert Ingredient Supply: Although not a direct retail service, the entire operation is dedicated to supplying the core ingredients that result in a "Great dessert" being produced by their many B2B customers.

The primary highlights of Forbes Chocolate BP are its historical significance, reputation for quality in the industrial sector, and innovation in food science.

• Historic Ohio Institution: Founded in 1901 by Benjamin P. Forbes, the company is one of the oldest and most respected names in the Ohio confectionery and food ingredient industry, providing a foundation for countless regional products.
• Pioneers in Chocolate Milk: The company is credited with fundamentally changing the flavored milk industry by developing the powdered chocolate mix, a major innovation in the early 20th century.
• Industrial Efficiency: The facility is recognized for its operational excellence, facilitating quick and easy in-and-out logistics for shipping and receiving, as evidenced by positive customer reviews regarding loading and unloading times.
• High-Quality Dessert Foundation: The core business is ensuring that the fundamental ingredients—the cocoa and flavor powders—used in many regional desserts are of the highest standard, making them a crucial, behind-the-scenes contributor to Ohio's sweet treats.
• Modern Payment Accessibility: The business accepts common electronic payment methods for commercial transactions, including Credit cards and Debit cards.

For business inquiries, industrial ordering, or general contact with the Forbes Chocolate BP facility:

Address: 800 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44147, USA

Phone: (440) 838-4400

For Ohio users, choosing Forbes Chocolate BP—or choosing a product that uses Forbes ingredients—is an investment in a local legacy of quality and innovation that dates back over 120 years. While you won't be browsing a retail shelf here, the company’s impact on the desserts you enjoy is undeniable, making it a powerful choice for manufacturers and a point of pride for local consumers.

This establishment is worth choosing because:

• It's the Source of Local Quality: The ingredients manufactured here form the basis of chocolate milk, ice cream, baked goods, and other confectionery products across the region and beyond. By supporting manufacturers who partner with Forbes, you are choosing a quality product rooted in Cleveland history.
• Unmatched Expertise and Reliability: With a heritage stretching back to a time when its founder worked with Milton Hershey, Forbes offers deep expertise in cocoa and flavor development. This reliability is evident in the industrial feedback that highlights their efficient operations.
• Driving Innovation in Food: The company's history of inventing the powdered chocolate milk mix shows a sustained commitment to innovation, meaning the ingredients they produce are at the forefront of food science and quality standards.
• Focus on Core Ingredients: Forbes Chocolate BP is dedicated solely to perfecting the building blocks of flavor. For manufacturers, this focus ensures their final "Great dessert" product starts with the best possible cocoa and flavor base.
• Supporting Ohio's Manufacturing Heritage: By existing as a major chocolate factory and industrial supplier in Cleveland, Forbes Chocolate BP sustains a vital piece of the state's manufacturing and food production economy.

Forbes Chocolate BP

800 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44147, USA