Planters facts for kids
The Planters logo features its famous mascot, Mr. Peanut. A school student named Antonio Gentile first drew him for a contest in 1916.
|
|
| Owner | Hormel Foods |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1906 |
| Markets | United States |
| Previous owners | Kraft Heinz |
Planters Nut & Chocolate Company is a famous American brand that sells tasty nuts and snacks. It is now owned by the company Hormel Foods.
Planters is best known for its roasted nuts and its cheerful mascot, Mr. Peanut. You've probably seen him wearing a top hat, a monocle, and a cane! The original drawing of Mr. Peanut was created by a young student named Antonio Gentile for a design contest way back in 1916.
Contents
The Story of Planters
The Planters company was started by an Italian immigrant named Amedeo Obici in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. An immigrant is someone who moves to a new country to live. When he first came to America, Amedeo worked as a hotel bellhop and sold fruit from a small stand.
Amedeo saved his money and bought a peanut roaster. He started his own business, driving a horse and wagon to sell his fresh-roasted peanuts. He even called himself "The Peanut Specialist."
A Smart Partnership
In 1906, Amedeo Obici teamed up with a man named Mario Peruzzi. Mario had figured out a great new way to remove the thin, papery skins from roasted peanuts. This made the peanuts much easier and neater to eat.
Together, they started the Planters company with just six employees and two roasters. Amedeo believed in selling high-quality products to keep customers coming back. Two years later, their company officially became the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company.
Moving to the "Peanut Capital"
By 1913, the business was growing fast. Amedeo moved the company to Suffolk, Virginia, which was known as the "peanut capital of the world" because so many peanuts were grown there. He opened the first large Planters factory in Suffolk.
Over the years, Planters was owned by several other large food companies, including Standard Brands, Nabisco Brands, and Kraft Heinz. In 2021, the company Hormel Foods bought Planters for $3.35 billion.
Catchy Phrases Through the Years
Planters has used many fun advertising slogans, also called taglines, to sell its products. Here are a few from different decades:
- "The Nickel Lunch!" (1930s–1940s)
- "Planters is the word for (good) Peanuts" (1950s)
- "Everybody Loves a Nut!" (1990s)
- "Relax. Go Nuts." (1997)
- "Put Out the Good Stuff" (2003-2008)
- "Deliciously NUT-RITIOUS" (2016)
- "A Nut Above" (2021)
Planters Products
Planters makes many different kinds of nut products. While some snacks have been discontinued, many popular ones are still sold today.
Popular Snacks
Planters Around the World
In Canada, Planters products like peanut butter are made by a company called Johnvince Foods. It has permission to use the Planters name and logo there.
A Note for Vegans
A vegan is someone who does not eat any products that come from animals. Some Planters products, especially those sold in large jars, contain gelatin. Gelatin is an ingredient made from animal parts. This means that not all Planters snacks are suitable for vegans, so it's always a good idea to check the label.
