George J. Howe opened a tiny grocery store in Grove City, Pennsylvania in 1917. In an attempt to boost his steady business, he purchased a small coffee roaster and began roasting coffee beans in the store window. Customers would receive a free pound of Howe’s unique blend if they purchased $10 worth of groceries. Within days, people were traveling from out of town and lining up in droves to scoop up their free pound of coffee. And with that, Howe’s famous gourmet coffee was born.
1930s The Great Depression and Adaptation
1931 – A newly constructed building on Grove City’s West Main Street, became home to the George J. Howe Company, which remains the site of its current operations, the Howe Company Sweet Support Center.
During the Great Depression, the George J. Howe Company adapted to the economic challenges by continuing to innovate its coffee products. This period saw the introduction of affordable yet high-quality confections, ensuring the company remained a household name despite the economic downturn. The company's ability to navigate tough times helped lay the foundation for long-term success.
1940s Women Workers During WWII
With expanded facilities and modern equipment, the company's product line under the name "Daily Delight" grew beyond just coffee. Fresh roasted peanuts and candy were added as were tea and other semi-perishable products. Over the years, the reputation of Howe's quality and service continued to spread.
During World War II, as many men went off to serve, the George J. Howe Company hired a large number of women workers to maintain production in its coffee and nut lines.This era marked a pivotal moment in the company's history, as women played a crucial role in keeping the company's operations running smoothly. The wartime demand for snacks and other comfort foods further boosted sales and solidified the company's place in the industry.
1950s Post-War Growth and Innovation
After World War II, the George J. Howe Company experienced significant growth as demand for its products soared.
1960s - 1970s National Recognition
By the 1960s and 1970s, the George J. Howe Company had expanded its reach beyond regional markets, becoming a nationally recognized name in the candy, coffee, and nut industries. The company launched new advertising campaigns and expanded its retail partnerships, cementing its place as a staple in American households. During this period, the company also increased its focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, ensuring that the materials for its products were high-quality and ethically produced.
1980s- 1990s Diversification and Brand Recognition
The company continued to diversify its offerings during the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to expanding its candy, coffee, and nut lines, George J. Howe began introducing new flavor profiles and product formats to keep pace with evolving consumer preferences.The company's nostalgic candy line, flavored coffees, and roasted nuts became widely recognized, and George J. Howe's logo became synonymous with quality and taste.
2000s-2010s Century of Success
By the turn of the 21st century, George J. Howe Company celebrated over 90 years of operation. It remained a family-owned business with a legacy of excellence, innovation, and quality in the confectionery, coffee, and nut industries. The company embraced digital marketing and online sales, ensuring that their beloved products reached new generations of consumers.
The company switched from twist tie bags to vertical form seal production packaging.
2010s Continued Innovation and Sustainabity
George J. Howe Company stands as a thriving, multi-generational brand. Its candy, coffee, and nut lines continue to evolve with changing consumer preferences, with a focus on satisfying cravings, providing high quality products and service.
Today, the Howe Company is a full-line candy and nut distributor, as well as a purveyor of food service and gourmet coffees. Each candy, coffee, and nut are carefully chosen to ensure maximum flavor, quality, and freshness, providing an unforgettable snacking experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- CANDY - Satisfying cravings and igniting nostalgia.Our candy line up has a variety of options that cater to every palate.
- COFFEE - From your morning coffee to an afternoon pick me up, our coffee variety has a brew for everyone.
NUTS - Sweet, Salty, and Savory describes our nut and nut mixes that offer healthy alternatives for your daily snacking needs.
2020s A Legacy of Excellence in Every Bite, Sip, and Crunch
After 4 Generations of leadership under the family of George Howe, the company was acquired by Jim Rudolph and Len Caric in 2022.
Grown from 13 states to 26 states and counting, with a leading Direct Store Delivery program driven by our partner network of Independent Distributors.
Our products are available in hundreds of grocery stores and retails chains that extend from west of the Mississippi in Missouri, to the Jersey Shore, Upstate New York, to the Florida!
A Legacy of Excellence in Every Bite, Sip, and Crunch.
As the company moves forward, it continues to build on its rich history while embracing modern innovations. The George J. Howe Company is proud to carry forward its legacy of quality innovation and commitment to community, ensuring that each candy, cup of coffee, and bag of nuts is enjoyed by generations to come.