Souderton-based Asher’s Chocolate Co. is one of Pennsylvania’s longest-running family businesses, writes CBS News.
The fifth-generation company began more than 130 years ago in Germantown and now calls Montgomery County home.
Today, Chester Asher, part of the fifth generation and the company’s director of marketing, proudly describes Pennsylvania as the “snack belt of America,” noting that Asher’s plays a meaningful role in that legacy. At its Souderton headquarters, production hums five days a week as the company prepares hundreds of products. They produce about 500 everyday staples and as many as 800 seasonal offerings.
Even before Valentine’s Day arrives, spring-themed chocolates are already rolling off the line. Retailers need product early, and Asher’s stays ahead of the calendar to meet demand.
The heart of the company, however, may be its people. Mary Ellen “Mel” Ruskowski, who has worked at Asher’s for more than 40 years, describes the workplace as family — a rare distinction in today’s business climate. Her tenure mirrors the company’s evolution, from a 19th-century confectioner to a modern Montco manufacturer preparing for America’s 250th anniversary.
Asher’s story is as much about community as candy, a Souderton success that continues to shape Montgomery County’s business identity.
To learn more about the Souderton chocolate dynasty, visit CBS News.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in February 2026.
