From Humble Beginnings to Award-Winning Success: The Story of Stonewall Kitchen

Merchant Website: stonewallkitchen.com

Stonewall Kitchen's story began in 1991 at a farmers' market in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Jim Stott and Jonathan King, the company's founders, weren't just business partners; they were a team fueled by family. They set up shop at Jim's family summer cottage, where they juggled countless tasks: cooking up delicious jams and jellies, labeling jars by hand, photographing their creations, and selling them to eager customers.

The very first recipe, Stonewall Kitchen's Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, held a special place in their hearts. "It's inspired by my grandmother Pearl's delicious blueberry pie," says Jim. "I wanted to capture the essence of her freshly baked pie, bursting with ripe blueberries. And we did just that."

Stonewall Kitchen's dedication to quality and flavor quickly gained recognition. In 1995, they won the prestigious "Best in Show" award from the Specialty Food Association. This was just the beginning. Over the years, Stonewall Kitchen has received a total of 29 awards from the Specialty Food Association, including three Outstanding Product Line Honors. Their commitment to excellence culminated in their induction into the Specialty Food Hall of Fame in 2015.

As Stonewall Kitchen's popularity grew, so did their operation. In 1998, they took a big step by sending out their first ever catalog mailing. This was followed by another milestone in 2000: the move to their current headquarters in York, Maine. The Stonewall Kitchen Headquarters and Company Store has become a major tourist destination in Maine, welcoming over 500,000 visitors a year. Production has also grown exponentially, from those first few dozen jars for the farmers' market to a staggering 75,000 jars produced daily.

Stonewall Kitchen hasn't stopped growing since then. 2016 marked their 25th anniversary, and they've continued to expand their brand through acquisitions. Tillen Farms, Montebello, Napa Valley Naturals, Legal Sea Foods, Vermont Village, Village Candle, Urban Accents, Vermont Coffee Company, and Michel Design Works have all joined the Stonewall Kitchen family, bringing new products and a wider selection to their ever-growing fanbase.

Today, Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food, home goods, and personal care producer. Their journey from a family recipe at a farmers' market to a thriving, award-winning company is a testament to their dedication to quality, flavor, and community.

Date posted: Apr 4th, 2024

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