Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc., a leading franchiser of premium chocolate and confectionery retail stores, announced plans to expand its presence in the United States with two new locations at Palladio Mall in Folsom, California, and the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets® in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. These openings mark the latest step in the company’s ongoing growth strategy, following earlier expansions and store redesigns.
The new Palladio Mall and Jersey Shore locations will join the brand’s growing network of stores, complementing recent openings such as the fully redesigned store in Charleston, South Carolina, which marked Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s first entry into the state. At the local franchise level, new chocolate offerings continue to be rolled out, recent examples include fall-themed creations like the Milk Chocolate Bakla Bar, Milk Chocolate Brown Butter Ganache, and Milk Chocolate Gianduja Marshmallow at the Pier Village location, showcasing franchisees’ engagement with consumer interest in premium, experiential chocolates.
Industry And Competitive Context
Brand and Rival Positioning
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory positions itself as a premium chocolatier with a growing franchise network and selective retail expansion. Its direct-to-consumer channel represents around a tenth of the U.S. DTC channel.
See’s Candies leads in the direct-to-consumer segment, supported by seasonal product launches, collaborations, and expansion of ice cream offerings.
Other competitors with notable DTC presence include Kilwins, Lindt, Venchi, and Läderach, all of whom have been engaging in product innovation and selective retail expansion to capture market share.
Industry Trends And Themes
Middle Eastern Flavor Inspiration: Middle Eastern flavors and ingredients are increasingly popular, a trend inspired by the viral Dubai Chocolate bar. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory adopted Middle Eastern-inspired baklava flavors while Lindt’s Dubai Style Chocolate Bar highlights pistachio and kadayif influences.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Partnerships with other brands or organizations create buzz and expand customer reach. See’s Candies collaborated with McConnell’s ice cream for seasonal flavors; See’s also partnered with the 15/10 Foundation for shelter dogs; Venchi introduced Stardust gelato in collaboration with Golden Goose.