They began creating their first experimental batches of chocolate in Steinberg's own home kitchen using over 30 varieties of cacao beans.

[3] By 1997 they made the first batch in a small South San Francisco factory using vintage German equipment[3] and basic ingredients including Venezuelan Criollo beans and whole Tahitian vanilla.

[6] Hershey subsequently began manufacturing the Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt products in a factory in Robinson, Illinois.

In early 2009 Hershey announced plans to close both Bay Area factories, lay off approximately 150 local employees, and transfer remaining production to Illinois.

[7] After more than 15 years of joint operations, in 2020 The Hershey Company divested some of its business, including the Scharffen Berger and Dagoba chocolate brands and Krave Pure Foods in order to focus on the salty snacks and nutrition bars markets.

Campaign" was launched in September 2010 by Global Exchange, Green America, the Oasis Trust, and the International Labor Rights Forum.

The purpose of the Raise the Bar Campaign is to pressure Hershey to commit "to take immediate action to eliminate forced and child labor … from Hershey's cocoa supply"; "to sourcing 100% Fair Trade Certified cocoa beans by 2012 for at least one of its top five selling chocolate bars … making at least one additional top five selling bar 100% Fair Trade Certified every two years thereafter"; and that "the majority of Hershey's cocoa across all products will be Fair Trade Certified by 2022."

Pressure was particularly directed at Whole Foods Market to cease carrying Hershey's high-end products, which included Scharffen Berger and Dagoba.