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Russell Stover Chocolates company history timeline

1923

Other maneuvers sought to have the patent declared invalid, which eventually happened in 1923.

In 1923, Russell and Clara created a new company from their home, packaging and selling boxed chocolates.

1924

In 1924, the Stovers began selling boxes of their "Mrs.

1925

Early in 1925 they opened their first factory in Denver.

In 1925, another factory began production in Kansas City.

1942

A third factory opened in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1942.

1943

Stover's Bungalow Candies". However, 20 years later, in 1943, it was renamed Russell Stover Candies.

1946

In 1946 he received the industry's Oscar equivalent, the Candy Kettle Award.

1954

Besides introducing the Eskimo Pie, he had also patented dipping tables and a candy manufacturing process he termed the "Zephyr Freeze." Russell Stover continued to run the company until his death at age 66 on May 11, 1954.

1960

Louis Ward and a partner bought the company $7.5 million in 1960.

1969

The company opened a fourth factory in 1969 in Clarksville, Virginia, which complemented Ward's efforts to expand sales on the East Coast.

1987

The school was started in 1987 following the retirement of several of its senior candy makers.

1993

In 1993 Russell Stover Candies strengthened its position in the boxed chocolates market when an affiliate acquired the Pennsylvania-based Whitman's Candies.

He served as the company's chairman and president until 1993, when he retired after suffering a stroke.

1994

By 1994, Russell Stover Candies was selling its candies in 50 company owned retail outlets, department stores, mass merchandisers, drug stores, and card and gift shops.

1995

A fifth facility was scheduled to open in Abilene, Kansas, in 1995.

1999

The company expanded its chocolate brands by acquiring Whitman's that year and Pangburn's in 1999.

2014

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt bought Russell Stover Chocolates from the Ward family on July 14, 2014.

2017

40,000 Consumers Vote Russell Stover #1.Our Pecan Delights have been voted as Product of the Year 2017 in the Chocolate Category from a survey of over 40,000 US consumers conducted by TNS. One bite and it’s easy to understand why.

2019

Spurred by strong sales in 2019, Russell Stover Chocolates announced plans to expand its Iola, Kansas, Abilene, Kansas, and Corsicana, Texas facilities.

2020

In 2020, Russell Stover Chocolates was the top sugar-free chocolate company in the United States.

2021

In April 2021, Russell Stover entered an agreement with Topeka Correctional Facility to form a work release program, hiring 150 inmates to work at their Iola and Abilene facilities in Kansas.

Spurred by strong sales in 2019, Russell Stover Chocolates announced plans to expand its Iola, Kansas, Abilene, Kansas, and Corsicana, Texas facilities. It also announced that its facility in Montrose, Colorado and several retail stores and distribution centers across the US would close in 2021.

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Founded
1923
Company founded
Headquarters
Kansas City, MO
Company headquarter
Founders
Russell Stover,Clara Stover
Company founders
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Russell Stover Chocolates may also be known as or be related to RUSSELL STOVER CHOCOLATES LLC, Russell Stover Candies, Russell Stover Candies LLC, Russell Stover Candies, Inc. and Russell Stover Chocolates.