In the News - Partner Spotlight
Partner and Product Spotlight
At California Delicious, we work hard at finding the delicious tastes in California food and wine and then bring them to you in stylish fruit, wine and gourmet food gifts and gift baskets.
Here are some of our favorite California partners:
Founded in 1986, Bellwether Farms was California’s one and only sheep dairy until 2004. The milk for Bellwether cheeses is produced by their own sheep and creates award-winning sheep and cow's milk cheeses including Créme Fraîche, Fromage Blanc, Crescenza, Carmody and Ricotta. Family owned and operated, Bellwether Farms is located in Sonoma County, California only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean and roughly an hour north of San Francisco. Bellwether Farm cheeses are used by chefs in many of the finest restaurants across the country, and are regularly featured in The New York Times, Martha Stewart, Sunset Magazine, and gourmet food publications everywhere. We are proud to feature some of these wonderful California cheeses in our Classic California Cheese Picnic Gift Basket. Click Here to visit Bellwether Farms Facebook page.
Ghirardelli has the richest heritage of any American chocolate company; it was incorporated in 1852 and has been in continuous operation since then. When news spread of the Gold Strike in Sutter Mill’s, Domingo Ghirardelli quickly moved to California and opened his first store in Stockton where his customers were exhausted miners who craved a sweet and delicious treat after a long day. Since then, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company continues to manufacture premium chocolate delicacies in the spirit and heritage of its founder. In 1965, San Francisco declared Ghirardelli Square (where many of the Ghirardelli buildings were constructed) an official city landmark. Ghirardelli is one of the few companies in America that controls the entire chocolate manufacturing process, from cocoa bean to finished product, all of which occurs here in California. We have an entire line of delicious Ghirardelli chocolate gift baskets.
Gil's Gourmet is a family business that uses local Californian ingredients to produce high-quality gourmet foods sold nationwide. As the popularity of spicy foods increased, Gil Tortolani opened up Gil’s Gourmet Gallery and Hot Shop on historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California. The business quickly evolved into a combination Hot Shop/Wine Tasting Room, where customers could try adventurous hot food and wine pairings. “We started stuffing jalapeños and olives and soaking them in Chardonnay, and letting people taste them with the wine. This did so well that we started making other products, like wine-soaked cherries in chocolate for instance. We put heavy red zinfandel in salsa and we started having tastings. People loved it.” Gil’s Gourmet Gallery is firmly in the Central Coast community and proudly supports local farmers and businesses.
Since 1944, California-based Helen Grace Chocolates has used the finest ingredients in time-honored recipes to create decadent milk and dark chocolates. For her birthday gift in 1944, Helen Grace would have been satisfied with a box of chocolates; instead her husband bought her a chocolate shop. The store, a mere 15 feet wide, was located in San Pedro, California—then a thriving shipyard community bustling with wartime activity. Using copper kettles, caramels and toffees are slow-cooked in small batches to ensure that the dairy caramelizes perfectly for optimum flavor. At Helen Grace Chocolates, the family of employees continues to work with a passion for chocolate. It’s part of the same magic that began in Helen’s 15 ft. wide shop in San Pedro decades ago and a heritage they are committed to continue today. Try them today in our delicious Glorious Gloria Ferrer Sparkles and Gourmet gift basket.
This California based company is family owned and operated, the founding Goelitz family has roots tracing back to 1869. In 1960 19-year-old Herman Goelitz Rowland, Sr., fourth generation candy maker decided to carry on the family candy business. Not long after, David Klein had an idea for a jelly bean made with natural flavorings. So he called up Herm at Jelly Belly (formerly known as Herman Goelitz Candy Co.) and an historic collaboration began. The first flavors were Very Cherry, Tangerine, Lemon, Green Apple, Grape Jelly, Licorice, Root Beer, and Cream Soda. Today, Jelly Belly is the world's #1 gourmet jelly bean; made in 50 official flavors and a dizzying array of new flavors, special collections and wacky flavors. These are made year-round in their factory based in the rolling hills of Fairfield, California. Our favorite gifts with these items include California Delicious Favorites gift box, Jellybean Wine & Sweets Sampler gift box, and California Grand Gourmet Gift Basket.
In 2001, Jerry Swain left his successful corporate career path to turn his special recipe for peanut butter and chocolate confections into a business venture. With encouragement from family, friends and chocolate lovers everywhere, Swain has created a niche in the gourmet chocolate industry that is continuously evolving and innovating new products and concepts. In creating irresistibly delicious, handcrafted confections, Jer’s Chocolates strives to offer all-natural products using the highest quality ingredients with the absolute best taste. His business also has socially conscious side: “My confections started as a gift, and that tradition continues as we give back to our community, taking a very proactive role in working with non-profit organizations and charitable events.” The San Diego-based company proudly uses all natural peanut butter and gourmet milk and dark chocolate, along with blends of rice crisp, pretzel, toffee, and caramel. Try these delicious chocolates in our Grandly Gourmet Gift Basket.
John Kelly Chocolates are handmade and each piece is wrapped with care in their factory in the heart of Hollywood, California. Using only the highest-quality all-natural ingredients, the final result is the most delicious fudge you can find anywhere! The John Kelly Chocolate mission is for everyone to have the same experience as their founders and employees did when they first tasted it – a creamy and silky revelation, with intense and luxurious chocolate flavor. Experience the delicious John Kelly Chocolates in our Sweet Beringer Wine Gift Basket.
1946 was a year full of joy. World War II ended and the sleepy beach community of Manhattan Beach, California became a popular weekend retreat for Los Angeles residents. 1946 was also the year Grandma Jo started to attract loyal customers with the fun and delicious confections she was creating in her candy store in Torrance, California. Today, Jo's Candies produces their signature chocolate graham crackers as well as their Coco Jo’s and Smores Cookies. Jo's Candies also produce crunchy English toffee, peanut butter meltaways and their delicious toffee caramel popcorn is popping off the shelves! Jo's Candies blends several chocolates to make their superb creamy milk chocolates and dark rich bittersweet chocolates. Since 1946, this great California company has made their chocolates in the small-batch, old-fashioned way which has won them international awards for quality and taste and features in Food & Wine magazine. Our favorite gift that includes Jo's Candies is the Snack Celebration Gourmet Gift Basket.
Using only the best organic grains to make a truly original brand. Judy's Breadsticks aka Lovesticks began in 1993 and has been a local favorite since. The very first food company in North America to have an email address on the packaging...Lovesticks@aol.com we have been using organic flours and natural for 13 years. Handmade in small batches to insure the top quality control standards. "Twigs" come in 5 flavors...sunflower, sesame, sweet current, coffee bean and roasted garlic. "Country Crackers" and "Lovesticks" are heavily rolled in sunflower or sesame seeds. Come over and try them... "fall In Love with Sticks" made in heavenly California.
In the produce business since 1985, Just Tomatoes, Etc.! produces 100% natural dried fruits & veggies left just as nature intended. Their products are Nut Free, Gluten Free and GMO Free, Vegan and Kosher Certified. They simply take the water out and leave all the goodness in! The goal is to offer healthy real food that tastes great. Jus Tomatoes, Etc.! products can be eaten immediately as-is (if you can’t resist!) as a delicious a wonderful healthy snack that even kids love or they can be used as cooking and baking ingredients. Their snacks are the next best thing to fresh and they offer a line of organic and conventional products, many of which are raw. Not surprisingly Just Tomatoes, Etc.! launched sliced dried tomatoes as their first product 25 years ago and these delicious tomatoes are still grown on their family farm in the fertile central valley of California. Coming soon to a California Delicious Gift Basket!
Based in California’s wine country, KRAVE imbues its products with the reverence for quality – from ingredients to process to packaging – expected of the world-class wine produced in neighboring Sonoma vineyards. Packed with protein and bursting with tasty flavors like Beef Chili Lime, Sweet Chipotle, Smoky Grilled Pork Teriyaki, Beef Curry and Lemon Garlic Turkey, Wine Country’s own Krave Jerky is everything you love about dried meat — and a whole lot less. Using super lean cuts of pork, beef and turkey, Jon Sebastiani (yes, the wine family) and pal Jens Hoj (who’s spent plenty of time in high-end kitchens) are the guys behind this new alterna-energy snack, as well as their own target market. “We’re reintroducing jerky,” said Sebastiani, a runner who wanted a tasty convenience food that was high in protein. Devoid of any nitrates, MSG or artificial flavors, all-natural KRAVE jerky has an elevated conscience. You can find Krave Jerky in our Dad's Bear Republic and Snack Attack gift basket.
In the early 80′s, the widespread quest for quality chocolates was just beginning. Being a lover of exceptional chocolates, Jack Shaw joined the pursuit and began testing and creating small-batch artisan truffles in California. His chocolate adventure inspired the beginning of Le Grand Confectionary in Sacramento, California. Jack's quest to create the perfect confection resulted in his line of classic truffles, including 25 year-round varieties and specialty seasonal truffles that blend premium chocolate with the flavors of the season. Le Grand’s distinctive dome-shaped truffles include traditional truffle ingredients like those made in Paris; dairy cream, real butter, quality chocolate and the finest flavorings and liquors. Le Grand’s classic truffles are artfully hand-decorated by their in-house chocolatiers. Our favorite gifts with these items include The Grandly Gourmet Gift Basket and Sweets of California gift basket.
Lundberg Family Farms® is a family-owned rice farm that utilizes eco-positive farming methods to manufacture great tasting rice and rice products. Lundberg Family Farms® is a mission-driven company that holds itself to a high standard in business, environmental stewardship, and the relationships it has with employees and business partners. Their Mission: To honor our family farming legacy by nourishing, conserving, and innovating for a healthier world. We think they’re right on track- Lundberg Family Farms® rice products are a delicious part of a healthful lifestyle that embraces wholesome goodness and a healthy environment. Specializing in organic, gluten-free, and whole grain rice products, they offer more than 150 healthful rice products for your enjoyment. Coming soon to a California Delicious Gift Basket!
Marich Confectionery is a California-based manfactuer of fine chocolates and candies. It was founded in 1983 by Marinus van Dam, a Dutch immigrant whose goal was to combine the European tradition of artisan chocolate craftsmanship to with the highest quality ingredients from California. He learned every technique of candy making and mastered the art of fine hand-made chocolate, jellies, caramel, taffy, nougat, gum, mints, licorice and more. The Marich team of chocolatiers is dedicated to making fine chocolates and the vast majority of their materials are sourced within 700 miles of their facility in California. All sugars and starches hail from the Bay Area 75 miles away; Almonds, Pistachios, Raisins from California’s Central Valley within 150 miles; Walnuts are premium light Chandlers from right here in Hollister. Cherries, Blueberries and other fruits from West Coast suppliers from LA to Portland and all milk and dairy products are from California dairies within 150 miles. Marich Confectionary is the definition of a true California company. Youc an find these delicious chocolates in our California Grand Gourmet gift basket.
Moon Dance Baking, Inc is located in the heart of Sonoma County, California where they offer outstanding, award-winning baked goods and confections. Using only the finest, all-natural ingredients and original recipes, Moon Dance Baking have created a unique and delicious line of biscotti, cookies and candies. Viva Sonoma Biscotti (Biscotti literally translates to "twice baked") is prepared in the traditional Italian style used for hundreds of years. Their new brittle and sugar cookies are from classic recipes and will definitely delight your taste buds. Moon Dance Baking's candy line is 100% wheat-gluten free, making it available for everyone even those with dietary restrictions. You can find these baked treats in our California Gourmet Meat and Cheese Gift Basket, Magical Mumm's Napa Valley Gift Basket and our Winemaker's Choice Gift Basket.
The Nunes family ranch is located in California’s Central Valley and the family has been in the farming business for generations. In 1984, Nunes Farms Marketing was established to market products directly to consumers. Initial packaging was met with tremendous success and requests poured in from across the country for new varieties of specialty almonds and confections. Nunes Farms now offers a truly unique line of delicious seasoned almonds, healthy snack mixes and decadent candies, including: Chocolate Dipped Almonds, Almond Caramel Chews, English Toffee and more! These delicious offerings can be found in specialty food stores or Nunes Farms can ship directly to your doorstep. For fresh, healthy snacks or mouth-watering gifts, Nunes Farm's almonds are the ideal choice. Our most delicious gifts with these items include California Healthy Fruit & Nut Collection, Nuts for You and Hearty Wine and Gourmet gift basket.
Too Good Gourmet Inc. is a California cookie company started by the dynamic mother/daughter team Jennifer Finley and Amie Watson who share a passion for baking and working together. Known for their innovative and creative packaging and delicious baked goods, Too Good Gourmet, Inc. has grown from five Storybook Cookie boxes to a wide range of products including confections, savory snacks and specialty food mixes. The Too Good Gourmet facility is based in San Lorenzo, California and has the capacity to turn out nine tons of delicious cookies per day. Our favorite gifts with these delicious items include Orchid Spa Sensation and Winner's Circle gift baskets.
Torn Ranch, nestled between San Francisco and Napa Valley, is a manufacturer and purveyor of gourmet specialty foods. They handcraft the finest chocolates and baked goods and use the famous dried fruits and nuts from California’s lush, fertile valleys. For over 30 years, Torn Ranch has been providing only the best in premium quality gourmet foods and fine gifts. Their products are all-natural and made with only the freshest ingredients! Torn Ranch originated as a gourmet and specialty food retail store located in Marin County, renowned for its Jumbo Cashews. As a warm welcome, each customer would receive a jumbo cashew placed carefully into their hands. Today, Torn Ranch is a leader and guiding innovator in the gourmet food industry. They maintain an unparalleled commitment to the highest standard for product quality, gift design and customer service. Here are some delicious gift baskets that include these items, our Central Valley Fruit & Nut Sampler gift basket and California Gold Gourmet Gift Basket.
Columbus Salumeria: Inspired in Italy. Founded in San Francisco, California. When their founders arrived from Italy in 1917, they brought a slice of Italy with them. With authentic Italian recipes and mastery of salame-making in hand, they began crafting and selling their Old World artisan salame in San Francisco, long before artisan was known as such. Today, Columbus Salame is one of the most renowned producers of fine foods in the United States. In addition to authentic, 100% pork salame, they manufacture premium-quality deli meats from the finest whole cuts of turkey, ham, beef, and chicken. You can taste tradition in every bite. We are proud to feature delicious Columbus Salame in several gifts baskets such as our Golden Hills Gourmet Gift Basket, Great Crate of California Wine & Gourmet and Bountiful Best Fruit Gift Basket.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company was founded in 1997 by Ben Gregersen and John Dundon. They discovered a common interest in making the best quality artisan cheeses using traditional methods, while working at the Gregersen’s family creamery, Foothill Home Dairy, a Sacramento landmark for over 40 years. Now in Willows, California, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company produces a wide selection of Handcrafted Cream Cheese, Natural & Organic Cows' milk cheeses, Single-farm Goats' milk cheeses, Goat Yogurts, Organic vat-cultured European-style Butter, and more. Their cream cheese process exemplifies the artisan nature of their handcrafted methods. Rich flavor originates from vat-cultured milk, cream, and sea salt. In an age of industrialized manufacturing, their pure ingredients and simple processing provide your family with the wholesome goodness of authentic, farmhouse-style dairy foods. Sierra Nevada’s creamy jack cheese can be found in our popular Classic California Cheese Picnic Gift Basket.
Cypress Grove Chevre
Cypress Grove Chevre was founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn in Arcata, California and is now one of America's best known artisan goat cheese companies and makers of the iconic "Humboldt Fog." After chasing some goats in her backyard, Mary also secured a healthy source of milk. Then, she started experimenting with cheese-making in her kitchen, and in 1983, with a regular customer base already developing; she officially founded Cypress Grove Chevre. At the time, commercial goat cheese production was virtually unheard of in the US. Mary, along with a handful of other goat cheese makers, began to spearhead the movement. Cypress Grove produce a variety of fresh goat milk cheeses, including their award-winning fresh Purple Haze and Fromage Blanc; ripened cheeses including top-selling Humboldt Fog and a new classic, Truffle Tremor; and firm cheeses including Midnight Moon and Lamb Chopper, a sheep milk cheese.Their website is a wonderful resource with detailed recipes, pairing suggestions and care instructions for every cheese they produce. You can find their award-winning Purple Haze in our delicious Classic California Cheese Picnic Gift Basket.
Fiscalini Cheese
The Fiscalini dairy farm in Modesto, California was founded in 1912 by John Fiscalini's grandfather. The Fiscalini’s can trace their cheese-making and dairying traditions back to their Their Swiss ancestors from 1705. The Fiscalini dairy farm is still family-owned and managed; 93 year old Marie Fiscalini is a business partner and still lives on the property. Currently the family owns and manages 530 acres and milks 1500 cows. The Fiscalini's are famous for their Clothbound Cheddar, which has won numerous awards including “Best Cheddar in the World 2007” at the World Cheese Awards in the UK. They also produce San Joaquin Gold, Lionza, Mozzarella and Purple Moon. You can find the delicious Purple Moon in our Classic California Cheese Picnic gift basket.
In the heart of California’s Wine Country, the famous Sonoma Cheese Factory or Sonoma Creamery sits on the picturesque and historic Sonoma Plaza. Visitors come from near and far to savor their dazzling selection of mouthwatering cheeses. Whether you are relaxing with a glass of wine after work or sharing stories over a meal, you will enjoy their sumptuous flavor offerings including Mediterranean, Pesto Jack, Garlic Jack, Habanero and Hot Pepper Jack. They share a unique taste that is perfect for both entertaining and cooking. California Delicious is honored to offer Sonoma Jack cheese in many of our baskets including California Farmstand Fresh gift box.
Made in San Francisco California, this all natural chip is neither fried nor baked. It’s popped! They use wholesome potatoes, add a little heat and pressure, and it pops into a chip! Then they are seasoned with all-natural ingredients for a delicious and healthier snack! Their promise: “nothing fake or phony. no fake colors, no fake flavors, no fluorescent orange fingertips, no wiping your greasy chip hand on your jeans. no, really.”These delicious chips come in many interesting flavors including ketchup, sweet potato, sea salt and vinegar, thai sweet chili, kettle corn and chili limon tortilla chips. You can find these delicious snacks in our California Grand Gourmet gift basket and California Foothills Wine Gourmet gift baskets.
TCHO (pronounced 'choh!'(the 't' is silent).What happens when you put the founders of Wired Magazine, a NASA Shuttle Contractor, and a 40 year Chocolate Industry veteran in the same room? You get TCHO- The New American Chocolate!Based on San Francisco’s waterfront, this company refuses to buy its beans from countries that harvest them with slave labor, insisting rather on 'ethical sourcing' that helps enable Third World farmers to become premium producers based on the principles of Fair Trade.With so many flavors to choose from, it may surprise you there are no nuts in the 'Nutty,' bar or fruit in 'Fruity' bar or lemon in the 'Citrus' bar. TCHO chocolate flavors are the pure flavors of cacao.Other than their strong natural flavors, the strikingly designed packaging is also grabbing people’s attention. They have won several international design awards for their packaging, including a gold medal from the European Design Awards and from the Academy of Chocolate. Coming soon to California Delicious Gift Baskets.
Conceived in San Diego, California by surf friends Ric and Rick, the original Whale Tail was an outline of Cat Paw’s tail drawn on the back of the Adopt a Whale envelope. Ric’s wife, Terry, grabbed some tortilla, cut out the shapes and tossed them in the skillet. The three friends were amazed- Just like in nature, no two were alike. The shape was perfect for dipping. Aided by TV appearances on Rachel Ray, the Food Network and elsewhere, Whale Tails has grown quickly from its humble beginnings. Marine-artist Wyland was the obvious choice to create the art for their two new flavors. As part of their new partnership with the Wyland Foundation, Wyland’s seascapes will appear on the three flavors of Whale Tails: the Hawaiian barbecue will feature Dawn of Creation, the blue corn flavor will feature Orca Journey and the yellow corn will feature Hawaii Endangered Species. Try these delicious snacks in our Pacific Coast Snacks gift box.
Over forty years ago, Elaine and her husband started making English Toffee from a handed-down recipe. They gave it to friends and family as gifts for holidays, housewarmings, birthdays, hostess gifts and other special occasions. Through the years, the list of people who requested their toffee grew and grew. Eventually Elaine and her husband taught their three daughters how to make it. Their friends would say, "This stuff is fantastic, you've just got to sell it! So, forty plus years later, they are still bringing this great toffee to you, made from the finest ingredients. Our name is "Elaine's Toffee Co." as a tribute to their mom. They hope you enjoy it as much as their friends and family do! You can find these delicious toffees in our California Elegance Wine and Chocolate Tower & Gift Basket.
LOCAL & PROUD OF IT! Sierra Nut House first opened its doors in autumn of 1969 on the family almond ranch in Clovis, California and has been providing the best of California Central Valley dried fruits, nuts, candy and healthy snacks for 43 years. In 1993, the staff were preparing French style five bean soup using a family recipe. Customers loved this soup so they gave them a mix of beans and a recipe to make this delicious soup at home. A customer said, “just put the mix in a bag, spices and all so it is easier, and I want your Mother's recipe for minestrone, also." That was the beginning of Sierra Soups. Their mission was to provide the cleanest, flavorful and easy product for a cook to make. They have two retail locations in Fresno, California and a great website with delicious recipes using their products and tips on eating healthily. You can find these delicious vegan and gluten free soups in our Natural Healing Get Well & Gift Box.
At 43, Mary found out she had celiac disease; a disorder that left her debilitated most of her life, due to an inability to digest gluten. As part of her self-care, Mary turned her passion for baking into creating all kinds of gluten free goodies-from crackers and cookies to pancakes and pretzels—She transformed her gluten recipes into delicious alternatives. On New Year’s Day, 1999, Mary woke up and told her husband Dale, 'I think we need to manufacture these crackers. The name, Mary’s Gone Crackers, is a perfect fit on many fronts: 'from the outside it looked like I’d gone a little mad. But from the inside, starting this company, which was a giant leap of faith, came from a place of inner calm.You can find these delicious crackers in our California Cutting Board and Natural Treats gift basket.
Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products 
Maisie Jane created a unique line of flavored almonds in her family kitchen at age 17 as a Future Farmers of America (FFA) project. Today, she and her husband Isidro market their products nationwide. They take pride in the fact that the almonds used are grown on their own family farm. Having almond farming four generations deep in Maisie Jane’s blood, it is a privilege to take the business one step further. Along with being almond growers, processors, and packers, Maisie Jane’s has an adorable country store located in Chico, CA as well as the entire store now being offered here on our website! Check out their whole collection of farm fresh, gourmet foods, body & bath, and artisan crafts online! Also you can find Maisie Jane’s almonds in the California Organic Beer and Snack gift box.
Established in 1983, San Francisco based Thatcher’s Gourmet Popcorn has been committed to making the best tasting popcorn, using the finest ingredients available on the market. Our popcorn is made the old-fashioned way using small batches to ensure great taste and optimum coating for each and every kernel. The unforgettable taste of our popcorn makes a perfect gift that is sure to impress someone special. Some of the delicious flavors to choose from are White Cheddar Cheese, Chocolate Drizzled Honey Vanilla & Nuts, Chocolate Drizzled, Jalapeño, Parmesan and Herbs, Cheddar Cheese, Kettle Corn and Plain Oil popped. You can find Thatcher’s Popcorn in our California North Coast Beer Fest gift basket.
California commercial olive farming first took root in 1851 when John Emile Goux planted an olive orchard in Santa Barbara County. Over 150 years later, Mr. Goux's Great, Great Grandson Craig Makela and his wife, Cindy founded Santa Barbara Olive Co. and harvest more than 5,000 olive trees on the beautiful coast of Santa Barbara County. Santa Barbara Olive Co. now boasts more specialty olives than any other olive company.The attention paid to each olive throughout its harvest assures the high-quality; their olive selection process demands that each olive is perfect in shape, color and size and they use only the top 10% of any particular orchard at any time. You can find these delicious olives in our Classic California Cheese Picnic gift basket.
Located in Santa Fe Springs, California, Monaco Baking Company has been working for over 16 years with various Pastry Chefs to develop exclusive recipes using recipes that have been passed through generations.They offer many flavors such as vanilla sugar, vanilla, lemon sugar, lemon, cinnamon sugar, their seasonal old-fashioned German gingerbread recipe and their limited edition chocolate chips and strawberry sugar . Monaco Baking Company is dedicated to provide their customers with products that are 100% hand-made as if they were coming out of your own kitchen. They only use the freshest ingredients to make the dough and Royal Icing from scratch and they never use pre-made mix in their 100% hand-decorated cookies and other gingerbread creations. You can find Monaco Baking goods in our Welcome Baby Boy gift basket.
