Purdys Chocolatier

8330 Chester St., Vancouver, BC
sales@purdys.com
1-888-478-7397

For more than a century, Purdys Chocolatier has been part of Canada’s chocolate story. The company began in Vancouver in 1907, when Richard Carmon Purdy opened his first chocolate shop on Robson Street. What started as a small local confectionery eventually developed into one of the country’s most recognizable chocolate companies.

Today, Purdys operates more than 80 shops across Canada, but its chocolate remains closely connected to Vancouver. The company’s current corporate materials state that its chocolates are crafted at its Vancouver factory kitchen using time-honoured techniques, quality ingredients and recipes that reach back to its early years.

From a Vancouver Chocolate Shop to a Canadian Brand

Purdys changed significantly in 1963, when Charles Flavelle and Eric Wilson purchased the business. At the time, it had only a handful of Vancouver shops. Under the new ownership, the company expanded across Canada while continuing to develop chocolates that would become closely associated with the Purdys name.

The company remains known for combining traditional confectionery with products designed for contemporary Canadian consumers.

Chocolates That Became Purdys Signatures

Among the company’s most recognizable creations are its Hedgehogs, featuring hazelnut gianduja inside a chocolate shell. Assorted caramels, creams, nuts, truffles and seasonal chocolates also remain central to the collection.

Purdys has continued to expand those traditions with dark chocolate, plant-based options, Canadian-themed collections and changing seasonal flavours. Its Canadian collection includes products incorporating ingredients and imagery associated with the country, including maple-inspired chocolates.

Despite its national retail presence, production remains an important part of the company’s Canadian identity. Its 2025 corporate catalogue emphasizes that the chocolates continue to be crafted at the company’s Vancouver, British Columbia factory kitchen.

Sustainable Cocoa and Chocolate Communities

Responsible cocoa sourcing has also become a prominent part of the Purdys story.

The company states that its chocolates are made with sustainable cocoa, with premiums supporting initiatives in cocoa-growing communities. These have included access to clean water, medicine and education for farmers and their communities.

Purdys also extends its community work within Canada. Its Purple Partnerships initiative supports organizations working in areas including children’s health, vulnerable youth, women’s health and sustainable cocoa farming.

A Familiar Part of Canadian Chocolate Culture

Purdys occupies an interesting position within Canada’s chocolate industry. It is considerably larger than the country’s independent bean-to-bar makers, yet it remains a Canadian company with chocolate production rooted in Vancouver.

Its longevity is perhaps its strongest distinction. Few Canadian chocolate brands can trace their history continuously back to the early 20th century while remaining such a familiar presence in shopping centres and communities across the country.

From the original Vancouver shop of 1907 to more than 80 locations today, Purdys demonstrates how a local chocolate business can grow into a national brand while maintaining a distinctly Canadian identity.

Visit: Purdys Chocolatier