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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
2016
Launch of Russell Stover Favorites. For fans who always reach for the same beloved pieces in Russell Stover boxes, the company introduced single‑flavor bags featuring individually wrapped pieces, still hand‑crafted in the heart of America. And for those who can’t choose just one favorite, Russell Stover also created an Assorted Bag containing four fan‑favorite chocolates.
2017
40,000 Consumers Vote Russell Stover #1. Russell Stover’s Pecan Delights were voted Product of the Year 2017 in the Chocolate category, based on a survey of more than 40,000 U.S. consumers conducted by TNS. One bite makes it easy to see why they earned the top spot.
2019
Russell Stover introduced its Copper Chocolate Gift Box line, featuring copper‑foil packaging inspired by the copper bowls still used to craft the brand’s signature chocolates. These elegant boxes quickly became a favorite choice for gift‑givers.
2020
Already known for producing America’s favorite sugar‑free candy, Russell Stover expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Sugar Free Baking Chips—offering another delicious sugar‑free indulgence that delivers all the flavor without the sugar.
2021
Russell Stover’s website was honored with the America’s Best Online Shop award, presented by Newsweek.
2023
Russell Stover Chocolates celebrated its 100th anniversary by earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the Largest Box of Chocolates—a massive 5,616‑pound novelty box measuring 30 ft. 4.5 in. wide by 15 ft. 5 in. tall.
2024
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Forrest Gump movie, Russell Stover released a special edition 9.4 oz. gift box of chocolates, replicating the iconic box used by Tom Hanks in the film.
2025
Russell Stover Chocolates reimagined indulgence with the debut of its newest innovation: Russell Stover Dubai Style Chocolate
