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.
The demand for Howe’s brew was so high that the innovative grocer sold his grocery store in 1927 and became a full-time coffee roaster. The company’s coffee quickly became known for its rich flavor and smoothness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 zip tie bags to vertical form seal production packaging.
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.
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.
