WASHINGTON — In late April, Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, located in Freeport, participated in the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural “Taste of Maine,” a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., showcasing an array of the many outstanding culinary products Maine has to offer.

More than 20 Maine farms, restaurants, candy companies, breweries, distilleries and vineyards participated in the “Taste of Maine” reception, held in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Wilbur’s of Maine presented its assorted chocolates and famous chocolate-covered cranberries and blueberries to more than 600 attendees, including Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and several other U.S. senators and guests, who were on hand to sample Maine-made foods and beverages.

“We are excited to participate with so many other great Maine vendors, our senators, and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce,” said Catherine Carty- Wilbur of Wilbur’s of Maine.

In business 30 years

Wilbur’s of Maine has been in business in Maine for 30 years and offers a wide variety of chocolates, confections and panned products. It also offers tours of its Freeport factory, fundraising opportunities as well as chocolate parties and events for kids.

“I think it exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber. “It was a marvelous endorsement of the value of Maine production. The reception was a huge success, and we look forward to hosting this event on Capitol Hill again.”

The reception was sponsored in part by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the National Restaurant Association, the Maine Restaurant Association, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Huhtamaki, Inc.