In the heart of downtown Tijuana, La Fábrica del Dulce has become a colorful stop for anyone craving traditional Mexican sweets made the old-fashioned way.
The artisan candy shop specializes in handmade treats crafted with quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. The focus, its founders say, is on preserving the original flavors of each fruit and ingredient rather than cutting corners for speed or mass production.
The business was founded by Marco Antonio Morales, a native of Nayarit, and his wife, Viridiana Álvarez. What began as a modest venture selling sweets at street markets and local events gradually grew into a permanent storefront on Calle Segunda in downtown Tijuana.
Morales’ passion for candy-making dates back to childhood. He recalls watching his mother prepare traditional sweets to help support their family. Over time, those early memories shaped his path and inspired him to share the flavors he grew up with with the Tijuana community.
Today, the shop offers a wide range of brightly colored, distinctly Mexican confections, including cocadas, chili-dusted dried mango, guava rolls, marzipan-style jamoncillos, candied sweet potato, pumpkin in syrup and cajeta. Many of the products require lengthy, hands-on preparation, sometimes taking several days to complete.
Part of the shop’s appeal is the experience itself. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the candy-making process, adding a sense of connection to Mexico’s confectionery traditions. A mural inside the store features Morales’ portrait alongside the phrase “Mexican Willy Wonka,” a nickname that regular customers have begun to embrace.
Over time, La Fábrica del Dulce has built a loyal following. Through social media, the family has cultivated a community of fans, some of whom say they make a point of visiting Tijuana specifically to stop by the now-iconic shop.
As it continues to grow, La Fábrica del Dulce has positioned itself as more than a candy store. For many residents and visitors, it represents a family story and a culinary legacy rooted in tradition, right in the center of Tijuana.
