Our Story
Four generations in. And raising the fifth. We’re proud to carry Birnn forward together, including a new milestone for our family: its first woman owner and president.
We’re building on what the generations before us created while continuing to make the business our own. And judging by the amount of chocolate our kids have already eaten, the fifth generation is getting an early start.
The Dreamer & the Maker
It all started with Charles “Pop” Birnn (pictured), a hardworking candy maker with a big heart and an endless drive to create. He turned his passion into a business in 1915 and spent his career deep in the candy kitchen, creating, experimenting and perfecting his craft.
He always had a piece of candy for the kids who came into the shop, and every Christmas, made candy canes as tall as each of his grandchildren. Pop was the creator, the candy maker and the heart behind it all.
True fact: Pop lost an eye after a splash of hot caramel in the candy kitchen — hence the fogged lens in his glasses.
The grand plan
Pop’s son, Edward Birnn might have taken a very different path. A gifted cellist, he played with the Cleveland Orchestra and traveled the world as a young musician. But family business is family business, and Edward eventually joined Pop in the candy shop.
He brought a different talent to Birnn: a sharp business sense and a drive to grow. Under Edward’s leadership, one candy shop became 11 retail stores across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The musician became the businessman — and Birnn entered its second generation.
Pictured: Edward, center, alongside his father, Charles “Pop” Birnn, right.
Perfecting the recipe
Brothers Jeff and Bill Birnn joined the family business in the 1970s and quickly began writing their own chapter. In 1985, they developed a new line of European-style chocolate truffles and saw an opportunity beyond the family’s retail stores.
In 1991, they took a leap — leaving New Jersey for Vermont, chasing fresh dairy, the mountains and an idea they believed in. They founded Birnn Chocolates of Vermont and shifted the family business from retail candy shops to what we are today: truffle makers for chocolate shops and businesses across the country. It was a big move, a big bet, and the beginning of a whole new Birnn.
4 Generations of Truffle Making
The Birnn We love today
Four generations may have shaped Birnn, but it’s the people here today who bring it to life.
Some have been with us for decades, others are just beginning their chapter, and every one of them plays a part in what makes Birnn, Birnn.
We’re incredibly proud of the team behind every truffle, every order and every customer relationship — and very lucky to have them as part of our story.
Join the Birnn Family
Become a Birnn Chocolate Truffle wholesaler
Think Birnn truffles would be a great fit for your business? We’d love to work with you. Getting started is easy — it takes less than five minutes to apply for an online wholesale account.
Once approved, you’ll have access to our full catalog, wholesale pricing, and online ordering.
Ready to get something sweet started? Apply for a wholesale account today.