The Growth of Endangered Species Chocolate Co.

"While Hershey, Pa., may be considered the chocolate capital of the United States, Indianapolis is home to one of the fastest - growing and most fascinating makers of the sweet treat.

Though it was founded in Oregon in 1993, Endangered Species Chocolate Co. has achieved most of its growth since being acquired and transplanted to Hoosier soil in 2005 by Wayne Zink and Randy Deer.

Curt VanderMeer joined the company shortly after it came to Indianapolis; he became the third co-owner in March.

Since moving from its cramped 5,000-square-foot Pacific Northwest facility to its 43,000-square-foot home in Park 100 business park on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Endangered Species Chocolate has grown annual sales from $3 million to $16 million and its work force from 18 to 60."

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