Blommer Chocolate Co., a cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier, has expanded its research and development center at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago by 5,000 square feet, resulting in a 10,000-square-foot center. The facility will focus on future development, concept testing, processing and ingredient research, and application creation.

“The R&D Center is a place where anyone can discuss new chocolate ideas with Blommer members, regardless of scale,” said Mark Okita, president and chief operating officer of Chicago-based Blommer.

The center has room for on-site customer and partner engagements as well as industry events. The equipment replicates Blommer’s manufacturing capabilities to aid in product customer sample development, innovation and new business development and adds analytical instrument capability.