Our Story

It was a humble beginning – just a young man’s idea that you would like Peanuts better if they were removed from their shells and husks, blanched and salted….and how right he was! Amedeo Obici and Mario Peruzzi, another Italian like himself whom he had persuaded to be his business partner, had great vision and ambition that has resulted in Planters Peanuts being known and loved around the world today.

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Obici and his friend Mario Peruzzi founded Planters Peanut Company.

(The complete story is that Planters was founded in Wilkes-Barre, PA… however, since this is a foundational story, it could still prove to be relevant from a historical premis.)

Planters excited the public with their new semi-transparent packaging. This allowed people to preview the peanuts inside.

The mascot, Mr. Peanut, is one of the most visible symbols created in 1916 by a young boy, 14 year old Antoni Gentile who had won a contest to create a mascot for Planters.

The first roasted nut ever to advertise in the Saturday Evening Post.

There once was a time where you get freshly packed peanuts for 5 cents. Planters called it the “Nickel Lunch” campaign.

Planters opened its first international office in Toronto in 1925.

Planters' vacuum-sealed signature can was born that way. And it all started with Cocktail Peanuts.

Dry Roasted Peanuts was finally born. It was oven roasted and seasoned to perfection with Planters’ top secret spice blend.

Mr. Peanut become so popular that it became a collector’s item. Don’t believe it? Ask the Peanut Pals organization. They are very dedicated in their craft! Horray!!!

In 1995, Johnvince Foods acquired from Hershey Canada Inc. the sales rights and trademark within Canada and the manufacturing operations of the Planters business.

Johnvince Foods continues to manufacture dozens of fine Planters products.