A delectable legacy.

For over 130 years, America has seen our iconic Squirrel zip from pack to pack. No stranger to exploring new lands and secret flavors, they’ve traveled the world in... search of the most exquisite nuts and finest ingredients. From the depths of the Antarctic, tucked inside explorer Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s pocket, to Hollywood dressing rooms – legend has it that our Squirrel has taken kettle-roasted nuts all the way to the stars... and back again.

Nuts Since1888

Our story begins in Boston, Massachusetts. A bright-eyed Squirrel shoulders their knapsack and sets off on an adventure that will change the history of nuts forever.

1889 — Mr. Perley G. Gerrish acquired Squirrel and moved the company to Cambridge, MA. He began to sell his mixed nut varieties from store to store throughout the Boston area by means of horse and wagon.

1890 — Squirrel Nut Caramels were first made by the original owners of The Austin T. Merrill Company of Roxbury, MA.

1899 — First incorporated as “Squirrel Brands Salted Nut Company.” It was soon reincorporated as the Squirrel Brand Company.

1903 — Squirrel Brand Peanut Bars, Nut based caramels and candies, also known as Nut Caramels, Squirrel Brand Chews, Butter Chews, Nut Zippers.

1906 — Assorted Caramels printed and embossed box liners.

1908 — Factory Shipping, 620 Main Street.

1922 — Southern Style Nuts brand is established.

1926 — Patent of registered trademark for Shakapack Peanuts

1920s-30s — POS, headers and packaging cartons.

1928 — Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd begins his first expedition to the Antarctic, with Squirrel nuts tucked inside his pocket.

1930s-40s — Decorated litho metal tin introduced by Squirrel Brand for Salted Mixed Nuts, Peanut Brittle, 5c Peanuts, Mixed Nuts.

1944 — Squirrel Brand nuts were shipped all over the world during World War II. One soldier stationed in the Philippines wrote: “I received a Christmas box with a pack of your peanuts in it. … I was amazed at their freshness after the many thousands of miles they had to come.”

1955 — Nut Zippers becomes a registered trademark, filed in 1954.

1972 — Nut Zippers remained a penny as candy prices increased

1970 — Sold in Chicago’s Longest Self-Service Grocer

1980 — In the 80’s Squirrel Brand nuts were a perfect match for all occasions.

1999 — Southern Style Nuts acquired Squirrel Brand Company, operations were moved to Denison, TX.

2004 — NECCO acquired a license from Southern Style Nuts to manufacture Squirrel Nut Caramel Chews and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

2017 — John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. acquired Squirrel Brand

2021 — Rare ruby cacao is featured in Ruby Royale product innovation presented by Latrice Royale

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