DAVIS, Okla. – In a corner of a busy interstate corridor in America’s heartland, state of the art machines are pumping out thousands of chocolate goodies a day.
From chocolate bars to clusters, at Bedré Fine Chocolates, located near Davis, Okla., this process is done not only to ensure an abundant supply of chocolate delights were ready for Chocolate Day, July 7, but also for the remaining 364 days of the year.
Owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation since 2000, Bedré recently started producing a variety of confectionery delicacies in a new, state-of the art 34,600-square-foot facility. In this new facility the chocolatier produces nearly 300,000 pounds of chocolate annually which is shipped to retailers nationwide.
Some, however, stays in the adjacent Bedré retail store. In the savory “chocolate boutique” a plethora of gourmet chocolates - from Meltaways (mint, caramel, hot fudge, peanut butter, raspberry, espresso), candy bars, clusters, twists, and sensations - can be found.
Don’t forget the “Oklahoma cow patties” and cowboy boot, cowboy hat and Oklahoma-shaped chocolates.
Chocolate of most shades and flavors can be found enveloping popcorn, peanuts, pecans, potato crips, cookies, orange slices, coffee beans or Bedré’s own caramel.
Bedré Fine Chocolate produces about 20,000 2-ounce chocolate bars a day, and plans to expand the product line are in the works.
The facility will even offer tours in the coming months, so visitors can experience the wonderful sights and smells of the chocolate-making process. The “Bedré Experience” tour will include the history of chocolate and the Bedré process, a behind the scenes tour of the manufacturing floor and chocolate sampling in several forms.
In addition, Bedré, the sole Oklahoma chocolate factory, is a member of the Made in Oklahoma program.
Launched in the late 1980’s, the Made In Oklahoma program assists companies in promoting agricultural products that are grown, produced or manufactured in the state of Oklahoma.
So, be assured, if you missed indulging in Bedré Chocolates during Chocolate Day July 7, you may still indulge during World Chocolate Day, September 4 or even National Chocolate Day October 28, and Bedré Chocolates will always have a large selection of treats to cure that chocolate craving.
Bedré Fine Chocolates is conveniently located at the southwest corner of I-35 at Exit 55 at 35 N. Colbert Road in Davis and is adjacent to Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center.
The Bedré retail store is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
An additional Bedré retail store is located in Ada inside the Sovereign Family Clinic, 1007 N. Country Club Road.
Need a Reason to Celebrate Chocolate Day?
Do it for your health.
Chocolates contain alkaloids, a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds which are important for human body. The risk of heart problem is very less among chocolate eaters, according to researchers, and chocolate eating can also reduce blood pressure and sharpen the brain.
Remember all chocolate was not created equal: Dark chocolate packs more of a health punch overall; but even the bittersweet varieties can be high in calories, fat and sugar.
Bedre’ Fine Chocolate is located at the southwest corner of Interstate-35 at Exit 55 at 35 N. Colbert Road in Davis, Okla. It’s adjacent to the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center.
Chocolate lovers can follow Bedré Fine Chocolate on Facebook (facebook/bedrefinechocolate) and Twitter (@bedrechocolate) or call 1-800-367-5390 for more information.
COURTESY PHOTO