Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, a beloved confectionery delight, have a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Created by H.B. Reese, a former dairy employee of Milton S. Hershey, these treats have grown from a small-time candy to a global phenomenon. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, highlighting key milestones, interesting statistics, and lesser-known facts.
Harry Burnett Reese was born in 1879 on a farm in Frosty Hill, Pennsylvania. Despite his family's agricultural background, Reese was not particularly fond of farming. He took on various jobs, including working as a country butcher and oil burner salesman, before moving to Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1917.
In Hershey, Reese found employment at the dairy owned by Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company. Inspired by Hershey's success in the confectionery industry, Reese decided to venture into the candy business himself. He left the dairy and started his own confectionery business, initially producing Johnny Bars (caramel-like molasses) and Lizzie Bars (coconut candy).
In the mid-1920s, Reese introduced his now-famous peanut butter cups, initially selling them in bulk for use in chocolate assortments. By the mid-1930s, these cups were sold individually for a penny each, gaining popularity among consumers.
During World War II, Reese discontinued other product lines to focus solely on peanut butter cups, supported by consumer advertising. This strategic move paid off, as the peanut butter cups gained widespread popularity across the United States.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were distributed through wholesalers, vending machine operators, and syndicated stores. The distinctive orange and yellow packaging helped the product stand out, further boosting its popularity.
By the mid-1950s, the success of Reese’s necessitated a larger manufacturing facility. In 1957, a state-of-the-art, fully automated 100,000 square-foot factory was built on Chocolate Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
In 1963, the Hershey Chocolate Company, then known as the Hershey Food Company, acquired H.B. Reese’s Candy Company for $23.5 million. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the history of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
In 2004, D&D Snacks UK Ltd. won the import and distribution contract for Reese’s products in the United Kingdom. They introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Nutrageous bars to major trade and retail outlets.
Reese’s Pieces were introduced to the UK market in 2008, quickly becoming a consumer favorite. Today, Reese’s Cups, Nutrageous, and Pieces enjoy a growing fan base in the United Kingdom.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1879 | H.B. Reese is born in Frosty Hill, Pennsylvania. |
| 1917 | Reese moves to Hershey, Pennsylvania. |
| 1920s | Reese introduces Johnny Bars and Lizzie Bars. |
| 1920s | Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are introduced. |
| 1930s | Peanut Butter Cups are sold individually for a penny each. |
| 1940s | Reese focuses solely on peanut butter cups during World War II. |
| 1957 | A new 100,000 sq. ft. factory is built in Hershey, PA. |
| 1963 | Hershey acquires H.B. Reese’s Candy Company for $23.5 million. |
| 2004 | D&D Snacks UK Ltd. becomes the distributor for Reese’s in the UK. |
| 2008 | Reese’s Pieces are introduced to the UK market. |
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have come a long way since their inception in the 1920s. From humble beginnings to becoming a global confectionery icon, the journey of Reese’s is a testament to innovation, strategic focus, and consumer appeal. As the brand continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beloved treat for millions around the world.
For more detailed information on the history of Reese’s, you can visit Hershey's official website and Statista.
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