PLANTERS
THE BIRTH OF PLANTERS PEANUTS
The Planters brand started in 1906 when young immigrant Amedeo Obici built his first mass-processing plant. Although originally established in Pennsylvania, Amedeo and his business partner, Mario Peruzzi, relocated to Virginia where they would be closer to major agricultural peanut farms and what is now called “The Peanut Capital of the World.” 2 years after the establishment, Amedeo and Mario officially incorporated together as the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company in 1908, starting the all-american tradition that’s still going strong today.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Amedeo created the famous peanut brand because he simply believed a handful of freshly roasted peanuts could brighten anyone's day. However, not all of the Planters' history comes from Amedeo and his business. In 1914, a 14-year-old schoolboy named Antonio Gentile, submitted a sketch of a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane to a logo contest, introducing who we now know as “Mr. Peanut.” Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe is Mr. Peanuts’ full name given to him by Amedeo and the signature monocle, top hat, and spats worn by Mr. Peanut, weren't added until later by an artist in 1918.
