A Visit to ...the E. Wedel Chocolate Factory

This week…. I went to a chocolate factory!

The E. Wedel factory in Warsaw. 

E. Wedel is Poland's oldest brand of chocolate….founded in 1851!

I went on a field trip with a group of ladies from the International Women's Group. 

There were about 30-40 women in attendance and we were divided into small groups for the tour. 

We were passed a bowl of candy and asked to select one piece. Depending on the flavor of chocolate chosen would be the way the large group was divided into smaller groups. I liked that idea.

We were not allowed to take pictures in the production area unless our guide gave us the OK.  

The picture above is a special production area where special order chocolates were created!

There is a great little shop next to the factory where you can make some delicious purchases. This candy company ships its products all over the world!

The E. Wedel factory is across the Vistula River close to the national stadium. I love the public transportation in Warsaw….From my home, I went on 2 separate trams, walked a few blocks…and then I was at the Chocolate Shop!

We first watched a presentation about the factory and learned it is called a "pleasure factory". One of the board members welcomed our group and he said for us to notice the people working as we walked through the factory….it is a pleasure to be here working and it shows on their faces! 

What a great compliment for both the workers and the company.

Fabryka (factory) Przyjemności (pleasure).

This large factory has been in this area of Warsaw since the early 1920s….this is where all the candy making takes place…the smells are amazing…and it is sparkling clean inside.

Here is a former board room…the walls are lined with a variety of chocolate products.

The smell in this room was fabulous!

A German confectioner, Karol Wedel founded Warsaw's first chocolate factory…five generations of Varsovians have enjoyed the chocolate from this company.

We peeked in the special production room where special order chocolates were being created. 

Chocolates for all occasions….

Chocolate of all kinds of shapes….

We were dressed much like this worker in the picture below ….head, body and feet covered with a light layer of cover (except our smocks were much longer).

Chocolate lollipops….

Along the hallways of the offices and factory are chocolate creations and photographs of them. I enjoyed this sweet creation of the National Stadium.

At the conclusion of our tour, we were each given a box of one of Poland's most popular chocolate treats….Ptasie Mleczko (Birds Milk….or chocolate covered marshmallow treats). 

We were told these treats are by far one of E.Wedel's most popular products and these chocolate treats were created on the tour today. It was fun to see this product made….from the liquid marshmallow and chocolate to the final packaged product. 

Field trips are definitely not just for young children! I loved going to the chocolate factory in Warsaw and I definitely have a greater appreciation for one of Warsaw's most famous products!

Smacznego!