Everyone appreciates a good dining experience topped off by a friendly waitress who delivers a bill accompanied by some tasty mints.  When those refreshing morsels are made in the heart of New York by a longstanding business, they are that much sweeter.
 
And that oft-heard phrase “they don’t make 'em like they used to” certainly doesn’t apply to Richardson’s signature soft sugar mints.
 
Richardson Mints are still made in the USA using the same time-tested process and quality ingredients.  Richardson Mints’ unique manufacturing process results in a smoother, lighter mint with a creamy texture and a refreshing taste.  
 
Richardson Mints was established in 1893 by Thomas D. Richardson.  Thomas began selling his home-made mints at the counter of a department store before incorporating with his two sons and beginning commercial production of the soft sugar mints we know today.  Beechies brand chewing gum, introduced in 1936, joined the Richardson lineup through acquisition in 1988.  Today, Richardson also manufactures Bogdon Reception Sticks and Dryden & Palmer rock candy, as well as other confections by contract for a number of high-profile packaged-goods companies.  What’s more, restaurants dispense more than 500 million Richardson mints each year as a way of saying “thank you” to their customers. 
 
Despite being around for so long, though, the Canajoharie manufacturer of niche branded confectionary and other food products keeps growing.  Richardson is currently undergoing a multiphase retention and expansion in New York’s Mohawk Valley.  Empire State Development and the New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal assisted Richardson by providing the company with state incentives estimated at $1.5 million.  In addition, New York State is committed to continuing work with Richardson on Phase II of its expansion plans.
 
“Utilizing its assistance programs, ESD has been a strong partner in Richardson Brands’ effort to grow, create jobs, and carry on the heritage of food manufacturing in Canajoharie.” – Don Butte, CEO
 
“There can’t be many people out there who haven’t enjoyed a Richardson’s soft sugar mint,” said Empire State Development Mohawk Valley Regional Director Kenneth Tompkins.  “But importantly, that signature product is proudly made in New York State.  New York is committed to supporting the creation of quality, permanent jobs in the village of Canajoharie and across the state. Richardson Brands is Canajoharie’s largest employer, and we hope that the company will continue to grow and succeed in New York State.”
 
In September 2006, Richardson acquired Gravymaster Inc., a manufacturer of Dryden and Palmer rock candy and Gravymaster browning sauce.  Richardson operates an 180,000 square foot facility in Canajoharie, New York, 40 miles west of Albany. The facility proudly carries the State of New York’s coveted Good Manufacturing Practices Seal of Approval (GMP).