The historic town of Lititz has always been associated with Wilbur Chocolate, or for at least as long as anyone can remember. The reminders are everywhere, the signs are all around, and with a little imagination, visitors can still make out the aroma of chocolate being made there.

In 2016, the production of Wilbur Chocolate at its longtime plant on North Broad Street was ceased, ending the site's celebrated 125-year run of creating the confectionery.

Present owner Cargill Inc. established the Wilbur Chocolate outlet store across the street at 45 N. Broad St. and opened a Wilbur plant on Lincoln Avenue in Lititz, where white chocolate is currently manufactured.

In addition to the sale of a variety of retail items, the outlet store creates some in-house delicacies that incorporate the use of Wilbur Chocolate. A lot of that chocolate, which has stayed true to the original Wilbur recipe, is being produced in Mount Joy, in Hazleton and at the Lincoln Avenue facility.

Erica Dixon, the manager of the Wilbur Chocolate store, said she is routinely asked if Wilbur Chocolate is still produced in Lititz.

"I'll explain to them about the facility on Lincoln Avenue and the white chocolate," said Dixon. "Here (at the store), we create a variety of chocolate, kitchen-made items, but we don't make the chocolate here."

In many ways, the Wilbur outlet store connects Lititz visitors to the town's chocolate past.

In the early 1900s, commercial success expanded the production of Wilbur Chocolate from Philadelphia to Lititz. Before Cargill purchased Wilbur in 1992, chocolate was produced in Lititz for the better part of the 20th century.

"I think there's a strong association with Lititz and Wilbur Chocolate," said Dixon. "When people think of Lititz, they think of Wilbur Chocolate, and vice versa. They kind of coincide with each other."

Dixon said the Wilbur Chocolate outlet store welcomes thousands of visitors each year, some of whom are local and some of whom are from out of town. They are drawn by curiosity, the Wilbur legacy and, of course, their love of chocolate.

"Wilbur Chocolate is a brand that's been around for many years," said Dixon. "People want to see the history. We have a lot of items made at the facility for sale at the store. People can also learn a little about history when they're here. Our claim to fame, our signature item, is Wilbur Buds."

"We're very proud of being a part of the Lititz community," concluded Dixon. "We want to continue the tradition of serving the area. We want to continue to uphold the Wilbur legacy."