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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
There aren't many people I know who don't enjoy both the smell and taste of chocolate. I have a sweet tooth and love finding delectable treats wherever I go. My most recent discovery is Amber Lyn Chocolates in St. George.
After retiring from a 24-year career as a state trooper, Lyman Peterson was on a low-carb diet and couldn't seem to find anything to satisfy his chocolate craving. Eventually he found a Belgian chocolate that used an artificial sweetener known as Maltitol. It was so delicious Lyman decided he could start producing his own sugar-free chocolates sweetened with Maltitol.
He formed Amber Lyn Chocolates and started making chocolates in the basement of his home. His family helped wrap the chocolates, sometimes as many as 10,000 candy bars a week. As demand for the sugar-free treats increased, the business grew and soon moved to its present location on Sunset Boulevard in St. George.
Amber Lyn Chocolates carries a selection of 24 different bars and truffles made with all-natural extracts and nuts in dark, milk and white chocolate. Amber Lyn candy bars are the most popular product. Lyman tells me they produce more than 50,000 bars per week. However, they recently purchased a new machine that can wrap up to 100,000 bars a day.
Despite its rapid growth, the business is still family owned and operated. Both Lyman's son and son-in-law are involved with the company. Lyman tells me the sky is the limit where expansion is concerned. Growth has come more quickly than he could have anticipated, and the Internet accounts for a high percentage of chocolate sales. He is considering the addition of an all-natural, organic Columbian line of chocolate and another high-quality sweetener.
The percentage of diabetics and those looking for healthier sweet alternatives is increasing all the time, and Lyman hopes Amber Lyn Chocolates can continue serving that population.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
Amber Lyn Chocolates 1812 West Sunset Boulevard St George, UT 84770 435-619-6010 www.amberlynchocolates.com
