Stonewall Kitchen is a well-known brand of specialty food products that offers a variety of delicious and high-quality items such as jams, sauces, mustards, baking mixes, and more. But how did this brand start, and what makes it so successful? In this blog, we will explore the history, the products, and the values of Stonewall Kitchen , and why it is one of the best choices for food lovers.
The Humble Beginnings of Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen was founded in 1991 by Jonathan King and Jim Stott, two friends who shared a passion for cooking and creating. They started by selling homemade jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets, fairs, and festivals in New Hampshire. They named their stall Stonewall Kitchen after the historic stone walls that dotted the New England landscape. Their products were a hit and soon sold out of their stock. They realized they had something special and decided to expand their product line to include other items such as vinegar, oils, pesto, and baked goods.
They worked hard to produce their products, using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to every detail. They also wore many hats, from cooking to labeling, to marketing, to selling. They even enlisted the help of their family members, such as Jim’s grandmother Pearl, who inspired their famous Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. They moved their operation from Jim’s family summer cottage to a renovated barn in Kittery, Maine, and then to a larger facility in York, Maine.
The Rise of Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen’s reputation grew as they attended the Fancy Food Show in New York City, where they won several awards from the Specialty Food Association, including the Outstanding Product Line Honors and the Outstanding Preserve award for their Roasted Garlic Onion Jam. They also received orders from hundreds of retailers across the country, such as Crate & Barrel, who requested 2,500 jars of their Orange Cranberry Marmalade.
Stonewall Kitchen continued to innovate and create new products, such as sauces, condiments, mustards, and baking mixes. They also added a visitors area, a cooking school, and a cafe to their York facility, making it one of the largest tourist destinations in Maine. They also launched their website and catalog, reaching more customers online.
Stonewall Kitchen also expanded their family of brands, acquiring and partnering with other specialty food and home goods brands, such as Tillen Farms, Montebello, Napa Valley Naturals, Legal Sea Foods, Vermont Village, Village Candle, Urban Accents, Vermont Coffee Company, and Michel Design Works. These brands share the same quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction values as Stonewall Kitchen .
The Values of Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen is more than just a brand; it is a lifestyle. It is a reflection of the passion, the creativity, and the quality of its founders and its team. It is a celebration of food, flavors, traditions, and experiences. It is a way of bringing joy, comfort, and happiness to people’s lives.
Stonewall Kitchen’s mission is to create products that enhance everyday and special occasions. They use only the finest ingredients, sourced from local and global suppliers, and follow rigorous safety and quality standards. They also care about the environment, using sustainable practices and packaging and supporting local communities and causes.
Stonewall Kitchen’s vision is to be the leader in the specialty food industry, offering a wide range of products that cater to different tastes, preferences, and needs. They also aim to provide exceptional customer service, ensuring every customer is satisfied and delighted with their purchase. They also strive to inspire and educate their customers through their cooking school, recipes, blog, and social media.
Stonewall Kitchen’s values are the foundation of its success. They are:
- Passion: They love what they do and do it with enthusiasm and dedication.
- Innovation: They always look for new ways to improve their products, processes, and customer experience.
- Quality: They never compromise on the quality of their products, ingredients, or service.
- Customer Satisfaction: They listen to their customers and deliver on their expectations and beyond.
- Teamwork: They work together as a family, supporting each other and celebrating their achievements.
Stonewall Kitchen Products
Stonewall Kitchen products are some of the best specialty food products in the market. They offer a wide range of items, such as:
- Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades: These are made with fresh fruits, natural sweeteners, and unique flavors. Some of their popular products are Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, Roasted Garlic Onion Jam, Orange Cranberry Marmalade, and Strawberry Champagne Jam.
- Sauces, Salsas, and Condiments: These are perfect for adding flavor and spice to your dishes. Some of their popular products are Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce, Roasted Peach Whiskey Sauce, Mango Lime Salsa, and Cranberry Horseradish Sauce.
- Mustards, Relishes, and Chutneys: These are great for enhancing your sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Some of their popular products are Maine Maple Champagne Mustard, Spicy Corn Relish, Apple Cranberry Chutney, and Roasted Garlic Peanut Sauce.
- Baking Mixes, Syrups, and Honey: These are ideal for making delicious and easy desserts, pancakes, waffles, and more. Some of their popular products are Farmhouse Pancake and Waffle Mix, Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix, Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup, and Maine Wildflower Honey.
- Soups, Pastas, and Grains: These are convenient and nutritious for making hearty and satisfying meals. Some of their popular products are New England Corn Chowder Mix, Roasted Garlic Basil Sauce, Lemon Herb Quinoa, and Butternut Squash Risotto Mix.
Conclusion
Stonewall Kitchen is a brand that has come a long way from its humble beginnings at a farmers’ market. It is now a global leader in the specialty food industry, offering a variety of delicious, high-quality, and innovative products. It is also a brand that values its customers, team, and community and strives to positively impact the world. Stonewall Kitchen is a brand you can trust, enjoy, and love.
