Press Releases
May 11, 2026: Soccer Capital of America Soccer Clinic with Matt Besler
Presented by Russell Stover Chocolates and Sporting Kansas City.
Social Disclaimer Copy: No Purchase Necessary. MO and KS Only. Ages 7–12. More information at russellstover.com/press-room
The Soccer Capital of America (SCOA) Soccer Clinic with Matt Besler will be held on August 22, 2026, from 9:00am to 10:30am at Central Bank Sporting Complex located at 9101 N. Line Creek Pkwy, Unit Fieldhouse 1, Kansas City, MO 64154.
The SCOA Soccer Clinic will be run by Matt Besler in partnership with Sporting Kansas City Youth Soccer. Registration for the clinic is by invitation only and will be capped at 75 participants.
To receive an invitation, participants must be between the ages of 7–12 years and must be one of the first 25 attendees to submit their interest in training with Matt at one of his three Meet & Greet events with Russell Stover.
Interest may be submitted through an online form accessible via QR code at the events. Attendees who submit their interest after the first 25 attendees will be added to a waitlist.
The three Meet & Greet events will be held on the following dates at these locations:
- May 13, 2026, from 5:00pm–6:00pm at the Russell Stover Retail Shop at The Legends located at 1300 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111.
- May 13, 2026, from 6:00pm–7:00pm at Sporting Park Stadium on Sporting Plaza located at 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111. Sporting Plaza is located off Sporting Way.
- June 16, 2026, from 2:00pm–3:30pm at Union Station’s “Experience KC” in Grand Hall located at 30 W. Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.
- July 18, 2026, from 3:00pm–4:30pm at the Sporting Kansas City Soccer Capital Summer Series Watch Party at Sporting Park Stadium on Sporting Plaza located at 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111. Sporting Plaza is located off Sporting Way.
Invitations to register for the SCOA Soccer Clinic will be sent to the email address submitted in the online interest form following each Meet & Greet event.
Recipients will be required to submit their registration form within two weeks to confirm their participation in the clinic. If a registration form is not submitted by the deadline, the clinic spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
April 27, 2026: Russell Stover Kicks off Summer of Soccer and Chocolate in Kansas City
Limited-Edition “Soccer Capital of America®” Heart Box and Appearances by Sporting KC Legend Matt Besler Headline Metro-Wide Celebration
KANSAS CITY, MO (April 27, 2026) — As Kansas City prepares for a summer in the global soccer spotlight, Russell Stover Chocolates is bringing fans a sweet way to celebrate with a dynamic activation featuring a limited-edition box of chocolates and appearances by hometown soccer icon Matt Besler.
At the center of the campaign is the debut of the Russell Stover “Soccer Capital of America®” Heart Box, a soccer-inspired twist on the brand’s iconic heart-shaped box—reimagined to honor Kansas City’s deep-rooted soccer culture and summer-long festivities.
Developed in collaboration with Sporting Kansas City, the patriotic heart box is filled with individually wrapped Crispies and Honey Caramels in Milk Chocolate. The product will be available exclusively in the Kansas City marketplace and online at russellstover.com.
A Hometown Hero Leads the Celebration
A cornerstone of the campaign is the involvement of Matt Besler, one of the most decorated players in Kansas City soccer history.
Besler spent 12 years with Sporting Kansas City, serving as team captain and anchoring one of Major League Soccer’s top defenses. His career highlights include:
- MLS Cup Champion (2013)
- U.S. Open Cup Winner (2012, 2015, 2017)
- MLS Defender of the Year (2012)
- MLS Best XI selection (2012–2013)
- U.S. Men’s National Team standout, including representing the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
“Kansas City lives and breathes soccer, and that’s something I’ve been proud to be part of my entire career,” said Matt Besler. “Partnering with my hometown’s go-to chocolate maker, Russell Stover, to celebrate that passion in such a community-focused way, while the world’s eyes are on our city, is really special.”
As part of the summer activation, Besler will participate in multiple fan meet-and-greets and appearances across the metro—bringing fans closer to the action while celebrating the city’s soccer legacy.
In addition, young fans will have the opportunity to win exclusive spots at Matt’s Soccer Capital of America® Youth Soccer Clinic presented by Russell Stover, with giveaways integrated into select events and sampling activations throughout the summer.
A Sweet Tradition Meets a Global Game
For more than a century, Russell Stover has been part of America’s most meaningful moments—from holidays to everyday indulgences.
This summer, the brand is tapping into Kansas City’s identity as the Soccer Capital of America®, creating a campaign that celebrates both tradition and the city’s global moment.
Citywide Activation Brings Fans Together
The multi-week campaign will feature fan experiences and sampling events.
- May 13 – Meet & Greet with Matt Besler at Russell Stover Retail Shop and Sporting KC Stadium
- May 27 – Consumer sampling at City Market at Kansas City International Airport
- May 30 – June 13 – Price Chopper Kickoff to the Cup Series
- June 16 – Meet & Greet at Union Station Kansas City (“Experience KC”)
- June 19 – Sampling across select Hy-Vee locations
- June–July – Ongoing activations at Union Station and City Market at MCI
- July 18–19 – Sporting KC Soccer Capital Summer Watch Parties
- July 22 – Sampling during “Soccer Capital of America®” Match Night
Celebrating Kansas City on a Global Stage
Russell Stover’s summer campaign is designed to meet fans where they are, bringing energy, excitement, and a sense of shared community to every touchpoint.
For more information or to arrange media coverage, please contact:
Will Gregory
Will Gregory Public Relations
will@willgregorypr.com | (816) 645-6116
About Russell Stover Chocolates
Russell Stover Chocolates has been an American classic since 1923. Founded by Clara and Russell Stover, the company moved its headquarters to Kansas City in 1932 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group.
Learn more at RussellStover.com or follow Russell Stover on social media at facebook.com/RussellStoverUS and instagram.com/RussellStoverUS.
August 21, 2025: Russell Stover Unveils its Dubai Style Chocolate with KC Launch Event
KANSAS CITY, MO (August 21, 2025) — Russell Stover Chocolates is reimagining indulgence with the debut of its newest innovation: Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate—a sweet-meets-savory fusion with bold, luxurious flavors. Ahead of the national product launch this October, Kansas City will be the first market to taste and purchase the new chocolate confection.
Known for offering a variety of unique candy centers, Russell Stover crafted this decadent addition to its portfolio bringing together crisp kataifi pastry, smooth pistachio butter, and the brand’s signature milk chocolate. Plus, with its classic, generous candy center, the flavor-forward experience is crispy, creamy, and irresistible. This early launch event allows Kansas Citians to be the first to savor the viral global flavor trend — Russell Stover style.
“This is not just another chocolate. It’s a new confectionary experience,” said Jill Beverage, Russell Stover Vice President of Innovation & Development. “Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate is inspired by popular flavor combinations, but we gave it our own twist to create a product that is special and luxurious.”
The Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate will debut in the Russell Stover Retail Shop in Merriam, Kansas at 9:00am on Tuesday, August 26th. The launch event will be a delicious, fun-filled celebration! Guests can enjoy free chocolate samples and giveaways, indulge in Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate inspired desserts, and capture the day with entertaining photo ops!
Store Location and Hours:
- 10100 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS 66203
- 9 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate represents the brand’s continued commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship. Made with delicate ingredients like soft pistachio butter filling and crispy kataifi layers, the product is handled with special care throughout its journey—from production to shelf—to ensure peak freshness and flavor and is best enjoyed chilled.
“Our priority is delivering the best taste and texture possible,” said Wayne Houde, Director of Product Creation. “Inspired by global flavors and made with globally sourced ingredients but manufactured in the heart of America, it’s a truly special addition to the Russell Stover portfolio.”
Can’t make the launch event, follow @RussellStoverUS on Instagram or join Russell Stover’s email list on russellstover.com for more details on the national product launch.
For more information or to arrange media coverage, please contact:
Will Gregory
Will Gregory Public Relations
will@willgregorypr.com | (816) 645-6116
About Russell Stover Chocolates
Russell Stover Chocolates has been an American classic since 1923. Founded by Clara and Russell Stover, the company moved its headquarters to Kansas City in 1932 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group.
Learn more at RussellStover.com or follow Russell Stover on social media at facebook.com/RussellStoverUS and instagram.com/RussellStoverUS.
September 13, 2023: Russell Stover Chocolates Continues its 100th Anniversary Celebrations
KANSAS CITY, MO (September 13, 2023) — Russell Stover Chocolates is pleased to continue its centennial celebration to its hometown of Kansas City. Last week, the installation of an oversized replica box of Russell Stover chocolates and a nearly 20-foot copper bow around the building transformed the Russell Stover corporate headquarters into a selfie spot in Kansas City.
Russell Stover invites the Kansas City community and visitors to stop by its corporate headquarters at 4900 Oak Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64112, to take a selfie at the ‘Centennial Sweet Spot’ and share their ‘sweetest’ pic on their favorite social media channel using #RSCSweetSpot. To sweeten the experience, guests will be treated to chocolate giveaways on September 21 from 11:00am-1:00pm to commemorate the new selfie spot and the third Thursday of every month following, for the remainder of the year.
“We wanted to do something special to celebrate our anniversary in our hometown with our friends and neighbors,” says Niccolo Starace, president and CEO at Russell Stover Chocolates, “and what better way than to invite them to stop by our offices, share a moment, and enjoy some free chocolate! Russell Stover has proudly called Kansas City home for more than 90 years and is excited to celebrate this significant milestone in the city we love.”
Additionally, later this week, the company will begin a month long, coast-to-coast anniversary tour to celebrate with America! From September 16th – October 15th, the Russell Stover ‘Sweet Centennial Tour’ will visit iconic locations and popular festivals, bringing fun and free chocolate to Russell Stover fans across the country. The tour will start in Santa Monica, California on Saturday, September 16th and make its way to New York City for the NYC Wine and Food Festival, stopping in Las Vegas, Denver, Kansas City, and Nashville along the way.
Other Notable 100th Anniversary News
Earlier this year, Russell Stover kicked off its centennial celebration by breaking the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the Largest Box of Chocolates on April 17th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City in front of over 300 attendees.
To commemorate the night and milestone anniversary, Mayor Quinton Lucas issued an official city proclamation declaring April 17 “Russell Stover Sweet Centennial Day” in Kansas City. Additionally, Russell Stover was honored by Missouri Congressman, Emanuel Cleaver with a Congressional Record acknowledging their centennial and importance in American chocolate history. The Congressional Record will be held in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC to forever commemorate the 100th anniversary of Russell Stover Chocolates.
The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Box of Chocolates is a weight record and is based on the total weight of chocolate held in the box. The previous title was held by U.K. chocolate manufacturer, Thorntons, since April 2008 with a box that measured 16 feet 6 inches long by 11 feet 2 inches wide and held 3,725 pounds of chocolate. The new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title was set at 5,616 pounds. The gigantic Russell Stover novelty box was over twice as large, measuring 30 feet 4.5 inches wide by 15 feet 5 inches tall, and held 1,891 pounds more than the previous title holder’s weight.
For more information, please visit RussellStover.com/Anniversary or follow Russell Stover on Facebook and Instagram @RussellStoverUS to stay up to date on giveaways and events throughout 2023.
Media Contact
Tami Parr
Tami.parr@rstover.com | (419) 699-7704
About Russell Stover Chocolates
Russell Stover Chocolates has been an American classic since 1923. Founded by Clara and Russell Stover, the company moved its headquarters to Kansas City in 1932 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group.
April 18, 2023: Russell Stover Chocolates is the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holder for Largest box of Chocolates
KANSAS CITY, MO (April 18, 2023) — In its centennial year, Russell Stover Chocolates has even more reason to celebrate. On April 17, the beloved chocolate manufacturer, offering chocolates crafted from the finest ingredients, broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Largest Box of Chocolates at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City in front of over 300 attendees.
The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Largest Box of Chocolates is a weight record and is based on the total weight of chocolate held in the box. Russell Stover’s oversized chocolate box, designed and fabricated by local Kansas City long-standing experience, design, and fabrication firm, Dimensional Innovations, is a replica of the brand’s classic assorted gift box and measures 30 feet 4.5 inches wide by 15 feet 5 inches tall. When empty, the Russell Stover box alone weighs approximately 2,300 pounds. During the attempt, a team of Russell Stover employees weighed and loaded over 5,000 lbs. of oversized, novelty chocolates, weighing between 11-38 pounds each, into the massive box smashing the current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title.
The previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title was held by U.K. chocolate manufacturer, Thorntons, since April 2008 with a box that measured 16 feet 6 inches long by 11 feet 2 inches wide and held 3,725 pounds of chocolate. The new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title now stands at 5,616 pounds. The gigantic Russell Stover novelty box is over twice as large and held 1,891 pounds more than the previous title holders weight.
“We wanted to do something really special to celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Niccolo Starace, president and CEO at Russell Stover Chocolates, “and what could be more special than breaking a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title? Russell Stover is the #1 Assorted Gift Box Chocolates brand at Christmas and now the replica of our most popular assorted gift box holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. We’re really proud to add this major milestone to our company’s rich history.”
Amidst the celebration, Russell Stover also held a silent auction to benefit its 2023 charitable partner, Feed the Children, a nonprofit committed to providing food and resources to children and families without life’s essentials. As part of its centennial celebration events, Russell Stover is partnering with the organization to host community food distribution events and raise funds throughout the year. The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt was attended by Russell Stover employees, invited guests and the media, and hosted by former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver and current TV & Chiefs Radio Color Analyst, Danan Hughes.
Following the event, guests were treated to a downtown Kansas City skyline illuminated in copper light, Russell Stover’s brand color, as downtown business owners lit their buildings in response to an official city proclamation by Mayor Quinton Lucas, declaring April 17 “Russell Stover Sweet Centennial Day” in Kansas City. Additionally, Russell Stover was honored by Missouri Congressman, Emanuel Cleaver with a Congressional Record acknowledging their centennial and importance in American chocolate history. The Congressional Record will be held in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC to forever commemorate the 100th anniversary of Russell Stover Chocolates.
The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title winning box will soon be on display at one of Russell Stover’s retail shop locations. The oversized, novelty chocolates it held, will be gifted, donated, or raffled in partnership with Feed the Children during a media tour later this fall.
For more information, please visit RussellStover.com/Anniversary or follow Russell Stover on Facebook and Instagram @RussellStoverUS to stay up to date on giveaways and events throughout 2023.
About Russell Stover Chocolates
Russell Stover Chocolates has been an American classic since 1923. Crafting delicious treats, made using the finest ingredients, Russell Stover Chocolates has been known for its gifting chocolates for generations. Founded in Denver by Clara and Russell Stover, the company moved its headquarters to Kansas City in 1932. With factories in Kansas and Texas, Russell Stover Chocolates includes the Russell Stover, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s brands. The company was acquired by Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli in 2014 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group. To learn more about Russell Stover Chocolates and its long-standing company history visit RussellStover.com.
About Dimensional Innovations
Dimensional Innovations, an experience design, technology, and fabrication firm with a national presence, partners with entertainment giants, professional and collegiate sports organizations, Fortune 500 companies and brands, and world-renowned hospitals to develop engaging experiences within a physical space. A team of brand strategists, animators, fabricators, interior designers, graphic designers, architects, interactive and environmental designers, and digital engineers collaborate together in 110,000-square-feet of design and fabrication space to create some of the most talked-about experiences across the country. To learn more about Dimensional Innovations visit dimin.com.
About Feed the Children
At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in eight countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships. To learn more about Feed the Children visit feedthechildren.org.
April 5, 2023: Russell Stover Chocolates kicks off year-long celebration for 100th anniversary
KANSAS CITY, MO (April 5, 2023) — Russell Stover Chocolates turns 100 in 2023, and the company is commemorating its centennial with chocolate giveaways, a $100k Giveaway Sweepstakes, a Sweet Centennial Tour, exclusive Russell Stover merchandise and themed events in Kansas City and nationwide.
“Over the past 100 years, Russell Stover has established itself as an American classic,” said Niccolo Starace, president and CEO of Russell Stover Chocolates. “We are honored to celebrate a century of crafting exceptional chocolate, made using the finest ingredients, for our customers and look forward to another century dedicated to delighting consumers with our delicious treats.”
In a longstanding commitment to the idea that little acts of generosity help to make life sweeter, Russell Stover is partnering with Feed the Children, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food and resources to children and families without life’s essentials. In celebration of 100 years of making sweet treats for America’s families, Russell Stover will host community food distribution events and raise funds throughout the year to benefit Feed the Children.
The Russell Stover 100th anniversary celebration features festivities throughout 2023, including:
- A World Record Attempt at the World’s Largest Box of Chocolates: Anniversary celebrations commence with a world record attempt for the World’s Largest Box of Chocolates on April 17 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. In partnership with Dimensional Innovations, a local Kansas City experience, design and fabrication firm, Russell Stover is creating an oversized replica of their classic copper box of assorted chocolates. The box is estimated to be 30 feet by 15 feet, will weigh over 2,300 pound and will hold over 4,500 pounds of chocolate.
- $100K Giveaway Sweepstakes: Russell Stover will invite consumers to join the celebration by entering the Russell Stover $100k Giveaway Sweepstakes in August for a chance to win $100,000. For more information on the $100K Giveaway Sweepstakes, please visit RussellStover.com/Anniversary.
- The Sweet Centennial Tour: Beginning in September, a custom-wrapped delivery truck will hit the road for the Sweet Centennial Tour, a 100th anniversary road trip featuring chocolate tastings, chocolate pieces from the World’s Largest Box of Chocolate and giveaways. The tour will include multiple stops across the country including Denver, where Russell and Clara Stover first started making candy in their bungalow home, and Kansas City, the company’s headquarters since 1932. The tour will end in New York on Dec. 12, Russell Stover’s 100th anniversary date.
- Visit the Centennial Sweet Spot for Selfies and Giveaways: To celebrate in its hometown, Russell Stover welcomes the Kansas City community and visitors to stop by its corporate headquarters at 4900 Oak Street. Kansas City, Mo. 64112, to take a selfie at the Centennial Sweet Spot, featuring a giant box of Russell Stover chocolates and 20-foot copper bow around the building. To sweeten the experience, guests will be treated to chocolate giveaways starting in May.
Exclusive Russell Stover anniversary merchandise, including a custom throwback t-shirt from Charlie Hustle, collectible 100th anniversary tins filled with assorted chocolates, and other limited edition commemorative products, will be available for purchase online at RussellStover.com and at Russell Stover retail shops in August.
For more information, please visit RussellStover.com/Anniversary or follow Russell Stover on Facebook and Instagram @RussellStoverUS to stay up to date on giveaways and events throughout 2023.
About Russell Stover Chocolates
Russell Stover has been an American classic since 1923. Crafting delicious treats, made using the finest ingredients, Russell Stover Chocolates has been known for its gifting chocolates for generations. Founded in Denver by Clara and Russell Stover, the company moved its headquarters to Kansas City in 1932. With factories in Kansas and Texas, Russell Stover Chocolates includes the Russell Stover, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s brands. The company was acquired by Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli in 2014 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprüngli family of companies. To learn more about Russell Stover Chocolates visit RussellStover.com.
About Feed the Children
At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in eight countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships. To learn more about Feed the Children visit feedthechildren.org.