SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Considered a delicacy and once a form of currency, chocolate has been around for centuries, and Palmer Candy has been making delicious treats since 1878.

“One of the things I always tell people is I have the best job of anybody that I know, I get to run a chocolate factory,” said President and CEO of Palmer Candy Company, Marty Palmer.

Palmer is the fifth-generation owner of Palmer Candy, a company that just surpassed Jelly Belly to become the oldest privately run and operated candy company still operating in North America.

They’ve been creating delicious treats, such as the popular Twin Bings, for over 100 years.

“The Bing has been made for over 100 years,” said Palmer. “About two years ago, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Bing, which makes it one of the oldest candy bars.”

The Twin Bing is a handmade candy bar that combines a flavored center, chocolate, and peanuts. Teams would scoop all three elements together using what looks like a double-ice-cream scooper. Team members responsible for making the candy bar can make up to 50,000 a day.

Palmer told KCAU 9 that customers will soon find a new Twin Bing in stores.

“After more than 100 years of making the iconic Cherry Bing, we’re now adding a Coconut Bing to the lineup, and it is amazing,” Palmer said.

Also made were white chocolate and milk chocolate pretzels, some of which were decorated for the holiday season.

Once packed, the candies are shipped around the continent, including Mexico and Canada.

“We are the second largest producer of all enrobed pretzels, enrobed caramel corn, (and) peanut clusters,” said Palmer.

A point of pride for the Palmer family is their peanut clusters. The company makes its own centers and roasts its own peanuts.

The center is created in a machine called a mogul, where the desired center is flowed into a shape tray. Once made, it’s cooled, covered in chocolate and peanuts, cooled again, covered in chocolate again, and cooled one final time.

Palmer said, “This line will make 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of beautiful candy per day.”

If you have never been to Sioux City’s Palmer Candy Shop, you can find it at 405 Wesley Parkway, Sioux City, IA. You can also find them online at their Facebook page or their website.