About Us
Our philosophy: Never compromise quality and never compromise service.
In 1981, Paradigm Chocolate Company opened its doors as a distributor of bulk chocolates. Soon we discovered some fun things to make with chocolate, so our line of Haute Fudge Sauces was born, which then led to Caramel Sauces (not chocolate but pretty darned decadent). With an unwavering desire to manufacture the highest quality products, Paradigm continued to expand and in 1983, Paradigm Chocolate Company became Paradigm Foodworks. Many additions to the Paradigm name brand followed to include fruit curds, jams and jellies, BBQ sauces, salad dressings, wine vinegars, mustards, and more. In addition to the Paradigm Foodworks brand, we also copack for other companies, both large and small, startups and established businesses.
During the early years of bulk chocolate wholesaling and making sauces, we were offered the opportunity to add a few retail chocolate items to the mix. These days, Paradigm is also a wholesale distributor of imported and domestic chocolates, candies, and gourmet foods.
Paradigm Chocolate Company - Paradigm Foodworks
Paradigm Chocolate Company
Circa 1982
Paradigm Chocolate Company
Lynne Barra, Founder
Circa 1984
Paradigm Foodworks
Paradigm's first production line.
Circa 1990s
Paradigm Foodworks
Art Williams, Lynne's Dad, helps with production - a true family affair.
Circa 1990s
Lynne Barra, Founder, Creator, President
Woman owned and operated since 1981
What began as a way to earn some extra money after the birth of her two sons, Lynne decided to take a gamble - leave the teaching profession (she’s a math wiz) and start her own business as a wholesaler of bulk chocolate, Paradigm Chocolate Company. With her skills, vision and boundless energy, that little business blossomed into a full-fledged company with the birth of her very first product – Haute Fudge.
A couple of moves later (with loads of stops and starts in between), she landed in her very own facility in Lake Oswego, Oregon where, more than four decades since its inception, she heads a crew of dedicated individuals at Paradigm Foodworks who strive to provide great products and great service. She may be President and CEO, but around here, she’s better known as the “herder of cats”, a skill that women and moms can definitely relate to.