Asher’s Chocolate co-chairman to retire

Jack Asher took over company with brother Bob in 1968.

Jack Asher, co-chairman of Asher's Chocolate Co.

John L. Asher Jr., co-chairman of Souderton, Pa.-based Asher’s Chocolate Co., will retire after nearly 50 years at the company’s helm.

John Jr. — known as Jack to friends and employees — took over Asher’s with his brother, Bob, after their father passed away in 1968. Through years of hard work, they restored the then-financially struggling company to its respected place in the confectionery industry.

Jack handled production while Bob oversaw sales and finance. Through devotion to quality and customer service, the company flourished. Today it is run by Jeffrey Asher, the family’s fourth generation.

“Jack is a respected member of the candy industry, known for his hard work ethic,” Bob said. “Without him we would not be celebrating our 125th anniversary this year as a family-owned business.”

Founded in 1892 by Chester A. Asher, Asher’s Chocolate Co. produces a variety of chocolate items, including award-winning chocolate-covered pretzels. Asher’s also has a line of sugar-free and low-sodium chocolates.

Alyse Thompson has held many positions with BNP Media, first serving as an intern at Candy Industry Magazine in summer 2012. She joined Candy Industry's staff full time as associate editor in August 2016 after a few years at newspapers in West-Central Illinois, becoming managing editor in March 2019. Alyse has also served as managing editor of Cannabis Products Magazine since March 2019. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from Western Illinois University.