Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (RCMF) is celebrating its 40th anniversary — its Ruby anniversary — by launching limited-edition confections made with Barry Callebaut’s Ruby chocolate.

The Durango, Colorado-based company said fans will find Ruby chocolate truffles, hand-dipped Ruby caramel apples and more in participating RMCF stores and online this summer.

"This incredible milestone reveals the community principles on which this company was founded: Creating shared experiences and products that delight and connect people to their sense of joy," said RMCF CEO Bryan Merryman. "We celebrate this achievement because of the dedication our employees, franchisees and customers show every day. I'm honored to be a part of this organization."

Founded in 1981 by Frank Crail, RMCF now operates 380 candy and frozen yogurt shops in 39 states, as well as Canada, South Korea, Qatar, Panama and the Philippines through its subsidiaries and its franchisees and licensees.

"Forty years after the doors of the first RMCF were opened, I can still clearly remember the feeling of excitement and twinge of anxiety (OK, tons of anxiety) when opening that first day," Crail said. "When we spaded that first batch fudge it never crossed my mind that 40 years later I would have the pleasure of celebrating the anniversary with so many wonderful staff members and franchisees. RMCF has undergone many changes throughout the last four decades; however, the one constant is our passion in making every product the peak of perfection and finding joy in sharing sweetness with the world."