Maine Chocolatier Offers Unique Valentine's Treat

Chocolate sardines pay homage to town's canning history

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A chocolatier in Rockland, Maine has created a unique Valentine's Day treat - chocolate sardines. The chocolates are designed to honor the town's past as home to several sardine canneries.

Why it matters

Rockland has a long history as a center of the sardine canning industry, which was once a major part of the local economy. The chocolate sardines offer a creative way for the chocolatier to celebrate and preserve this aspect of the town's heritage.

The details

The chocolatier, who owns a local confectionery, has crafted chocolate sardines complete with a silver 'tin' wrapper to mimic the appearance of actual sardine cans. The unique Valentine's Day treats are meant to pay homage to Rockland's past as a hub for sardine canning operations.

  • Rockland was home to several sardine canneries in the early-to-mid 20th century.

The players

Rockland, Maine

A coastal community in Maine that was once home to several sardine canneries, a major part of the local economy.

Local Confectionery

A chocolatier in Rockland that has created unique chocolate sardines for Valentine's Day to honor the town's canning history.

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The takeaway

The chocolate sardines offer a creative and nostalgic way for the Rockland community to celebrate its industrial heritage and past as a center of the sardine canning industry.