Shipping Information

During warmer seasons, certain shipping methods may be limited in some regions to prevent chocolate from melting or becoming damaged. To protect the quality of each order, Ghirardelli packages all chocolate products with ice packs, bubble wrap, and additional cushioning at no extra charge. Shipping options are automatically selected during checkout based on the customer’s zip code and FedEx guidelines. The fulfillment team closely monitors weather conditions to ensure that products reach customers in excellent condition. Items that are not temperature-sensitive remain eligible for standard ground shipping, which typically takes 2-5 business days, though delivery to remote areas may extend to nine business days. Certain regions, including parts of Florida and other consistently warm areas, have shipping restrictions in place throughout the year.

The processing schedule for shipments varies by the delivery method chosen. Standard Shipping is handled Monday through Wednesday, with an expected arrival within 2-5 business days. Expedited Shipping is also processed Monday through Wednesday, usually delivering within 2-3 business days, while Overnight Shipping is processed Monday through Thursday. During checkout, customers are presented with available shipping options and estimated delivery times for their location, allowing them to select the method that best fits their needs. Orders placed after 10 a.m. PT Monday through Friday are processed on the next business day.

Seasonal restrictions apply to ensure the integrity of chocolate. From mid-April through mid-November, some locations may not qualify for standard, expedited, or overnight shipping due to heat sensitivity. Saturday and Sunday deliveries are not offered for Overnight Shipping. All chocolate shipments maintain a minimum best-before date of 45 days, while clearance or promotional items are shipped with a minimum best-before date of 30 days, guaranteeing that customers receive fresh products. Any concerns about product freshness or quality should be addressed through Ghirardelli Customer Service.

Once delivered, chocolate should be stored in a tightly sealed, airtight container in a cool, dry environment between 60–75°F. Improper storage can result in chocolate bloom, a harmless light-colored coating caused by fat or sugar crystallization, which may alter texture but does not affect safety. Dark chocolate stored correctly may even improve in flavor over time, much like aged wine.

For assistance with shipping, delivery, or proper storage, customers can contact Ghirardelli Customer Service via email at Ghirardeslli@outlook.com, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. This ensures that every order maintains the high-quality standards, freshness, and presentation that customers expect from Ghirardelli, even when faced with challenging weather conditions.