Butter Kernel Products Inc history

In 1895 a group of ten corn farmers in Faribault, MN banded together to enter the rapidly-growing canned sweet corn industry.

The company thrived and survived according to the vagaries of the early 20th century, such as the drought of 1933, which caused many canning companies to reduce production.

The 1969 acquisition of North-land Canning Company, one of two major canneries in Cokato, Minnesota, further solidified Faribault’s position in canned corn.

Also in 1979, the company initiated its first run of eight-ounce cans, in addition to the standard run of the “303,” a 16-ounce can.

Beginning in 1980, the company expanded production capabilities in preparation for year-round production.

Through the 1983 acquisition of Kuner Empson, a Stokely Van Camp subsidiary located in Colorado, Faribault obtained the Kuner brand of canned vegetables popular in the Rocky Mountain region.

The 1987 acquisition of Beaver Valley Canning from Stokely provided another source for the additional processing capacity, as Faribault consolidated production from the Grimes, Iowa, facility to Faribault, Minnesota, as well.

Further expansion of corn processing, warehouse, packaging, and distribution capabilities followed in 1990.

The snap bean canning facility at Mondovi was expanded in 1992.

Johnson, Jill, “The Corn’s in the Can,” Faribault Daily News, August 9, 1998.

In 1999, Faribault initiated production of soup and specialty products, notably with an investment in ShariAnn’s Organics, a leading national brand of organic soups.

In 2003 Faribault acquired the Chili Man brand label from Milnot Company, along with a chili production plant in Litchfield, Illinois.