EXETER, CA — Stafford’s Chocolates opened a new shop in Exeter in early January, growing the brand's footprint in Tulare County.

The new shop is located at 123 North E Street, Suite 101. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are finishing their training as the shop settles in.

The expansion follows a major award for the company. On November 21, 2025, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce named Stafford’s Chocolates its Small Business of the Year. Owner Rob Taylor accepted the honor during the organization’s annual gala at Nuckols Ranch, where the chamber recognized the business for its excellence and community involvement.

A Legacy of Local Craftsmanship

Larry Stafford founded the company in Porterville, and the Taylor family purchased it in 2011. Since then, they have maintained its reputation for high-quality, handmade sweets. Stafford’s says it uses nuts, fruits, and dairy from local farmers to make its treats.

The Exeter opening is part of a larger expansion for the business. In 2018, the company added Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates to its lineup. Based in San Luis Obispo, the brand makes fair trade, organic, and vegan chocolates from scratch.

Stafford’s also operates the Swedish Candy Factory in Solvang, known for making traditional Polkagris, a type of handmade taffy. The Solvang shop uses a unique table crafted from bowling alley planks to make the candy.

Community Honors

While Stafford’s took home a top prize, it was not the only business celebrated at the gala. The ceremony also introduced new leaders for the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. This included Josh Pearson of Pearson Development Co., who was named the new board chairman.

Other community awards presented at the gala included:

  • Man of the Year: Kent Hopper, who announced his retirement after a 50-year career in the media industry.
  • Woman of the Year: Karen Vanni, recognized for her work in education and family advocacy.
  • Large Business of the Year: Eagle Mountain Casino.
  • Community Service Project of the Year: The Tule River Parkway Project, led by Cathy Capone.
  • Youth of the Year: Ben Watson and Mariana Ramos Silva, recognized for their academic and volunteer contributions.

In addition to its new shop, Stafford’s Chocolates sells its sweets through its website. For more information about the Exeter location, call 559-883-6002.