How sweet it is!

Twenty-four years ago Barritta Durward turned a hobby into a business with the opening of Cotton’s Chocolates. Since then the downtown Vernon business has thrived with its hand-made sweets.

Durward’s support-local focus and attitude of giving back to local and international charities has garnered her praise far and wide. Her efforts to collaborate with other Okanagan companies has spurred growth by making custom chocolates for more than a half dozen wineries, BX Press Cidery, Okanagan Spirits and most recently a rootbeer truffle chocolate for A & W.

Despite COVID-19, the business has continued to march forward, announcing plans to expand operations with the lease of a larger space near her 30th Avenue location, that could also incorporate chocolate making classes and tasting parties.

The business is currently producing about 400 pounds of product a month and has put on a night shift to keep up with demand. The new space, with commercial grade flash freezers, and the latest equipment, including a packaging area, will allow the business to double its capacity.

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A sweet business success in troubled times, and the drizzle on the chocolate, might be winning innovator of the year, at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.