Blommer Chocolate Co., North America’s largest cocoa bean processor and ingredient chocolate products supplier, announced that Peter Blommer has been named president and COO of the company.

Blommer, who most recently served as chief operating officer, is responsible for setting strategic direction for the company and for overall execution of its business plan. All functional areas of the company report directly to him, including sales, operations, finance, commodity procurement, quality assurance and research and development.

In making the announcement, Joe Blommer, second-generation co-CEO, said, “Strong leadership, dedication to quality and customer service, and commitment to profitable growth have characterized Blommer Chocolate Co. for 70 years. Today’s announcement of Peter’s promotion to president and chief operating officer underscores our ongoing commitment to these values and reflects our confidence in his proven leadership ability as we continue to build a strong and healthy future for our company.”

“Blommer Chocolate Co.’s record of sustained, profitable growth is a testament to our exceptional team of dedicated employees and family members, present and past, and to our deep commitment to quality and customer service,” Peter Blommer said. “We have grown by building strong, trusted partnerships with our customers, and by delivering outstanding processing capacity, flexibility and innovation to meet their needs. We help them manage commodity risk in an increasingly volatile environment and are leaders in advancing sustainable cocoa farming. It’s truly a privilege for me to lead the Blommer team in building on this outstanding record of success.”

Peter Blommer joined the Blommer Chocolate Co. in 1991 as plant manager of the Union City facility. He was named chief operating officer in 2003, with responsibility for driving the development and implementation of the company’s strategic plan, improving manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness, and strengthening relationships with key customers and vendors.  Prior to joining Blommer, Peter worked in investment banking and, later, in strategic planning and business analysis for the Dole Food Co. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.