Guittard Akoma Extra Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Guittard Chocolate Company is a landmark of American artisanal chocolate making, specifically rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1868 by Etienne Guittard, a French immigrant who arrived in California during the Gold Rush, the brand has maintained a legacy of using traditional French methods combined with high-quality cacao beans.

The Akoma Extra Semisweet chocolate chips pictured are part of their organic and dairy-free line, reflecting the brand's commitment to modern dietary needs while maintaining heritage quality. The chocolate is produced primarily in Burlingame, California, where the company operates its main factory. Guittard remains one of the oldest family-owned and operated chocolate companies in the United States, currently led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Guittard family.

Ownership of the brand is private and remains within the Guittard family. Unlike many other historic American chocolate brands that have been acquired by large global conglomerates, Guittard continues to operate independently, focusing on premium baking chocolate and professional-grade products for pastry chefs and home bakers alike.