History

Russell Stover Chocolates

Russell Stover Chocolates is one of the most beloved brands of chocolates in North America. Chocolates lovers have been enjoying our confections since 1923, and we have proudly called Kansas City home since 1932.

1923

Clara and Russell Stover begin making candy in the kitchen of their Denver bungalow home. The company, initially employing seven employees, is first known as Mrs. Stover's Bungalow Candies.

Russell Stover started in1923
In 1924 the Stovers operate five stores.

1924

The Stovers operate five stores in Denver, CO and stores in Kansas City, Mo, Lincoln, NE, Omaha, NE and St. Louis, MO.

1928

The Stovers find their business is expanding rapidly and open their first factory in Kansas City, MO.  In 1932, all company operations relocate to Kansas City.

In 1928 they open first factory in Kansas City, MO.
In 1034 the Stovers open a drive-in store.

1934

The Stovers open a drive-in store, ice cream parlor and ice cream factory in Kansas City.

1943

The company name is officially changed to Russell Stover Candies.  Russell Stover heads the Committee for the National Confectioners Association in Washington D.C.

in 1943 the company name is officially changed to Russell Stover Candies.
In 1960 Louis Ward a box maker purchases controlling interest in the company.

1960

Louis Ward, a box maker who has been supplying packaging materials to Russell Stover Candies, purchases controlling interest in the company. At this time the company is publicly traded.

1994

It is a box of Russell Stover chocolates that leads Forrest Gump to quote his mother... "My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

In 1994 a box of Russell Stover Chocolates is featured in the file Forrest Gump.
1998 Russell Stover launches sugar free chocolates

1998

Russell Stover launches a line of sugar free chocolates and quickly becomes the leading producer of sugar free candies in America.

2014

Global chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprungli acquires Russell Stover and Whitman's Candies.

In 2014 Lindt & Sprungli acquires Russell Stover and Whitman's Candies
Launch of Russell Stover Favorites in 2016

2016

Launch of Russell Stover Favorites.  For fans who always go for their favorite pieces in our boxes, we launched single flavor bags containing individually-wrapped pieces, still hand-crafted in the heart of America. And for those who just can't decide upon their favorite piece, we even made an Assorted Bag with 4 fan-favorite chocolates.

2017

40,000 Consumers Vote Russell Stover #1.  Our Pecan Delights have been voted as Product of the Year 2017 in the Chocolate Category from a survey of over 40,000 US consumers conducted by TNS. One bite and it's easy to understand why.

in 2017 Russell Stover Pecan Delights voted as Product of the Year.
In 2019 Russell Stover launches the Copper Chocolate Gift Box line.

2019

Russell Stover launches the Copper Chocolate Gift Box line. The copper color foil boxes make reference to the copper bowls still used when crafting our popular chocolates.  These elegant chocolate boxes quickly became a favorite gift giving option.

2020

Already known for America's favorite Sugar Free candy, we launch our Sugar Free Baking chips.  Once again providing a Sugar Free indulgence that has all the yummy flavor and none of the sugar.

In 2020 America's Favorite Sugar Free candy launches Sugar Free Baking chips.
In 2021 received the America's Best Online Shop award.

2021

Russell Stover's website was honored to receive the America's Best Online Shop award presented by Newsweek.