Stonewall Kitchen, renowned for its charming branding and its delicious jams, spreads, sauces, and more, recently opened its York, Maine headquarters to some of the Chex Marketing and Category Management Teams. We couldn’t wait to spend the day touring their incredible facility, which includes offices, manufacturing space, a photography studio, merchandising room, test kitchen, and so much more.
In their own words: “Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service. Today, Stonewall Kitchen is the premier specialty food and home goods platform in North America, home to not only their flagship Stonewall Kitchen, but also an ever growing family of premium quality brands.”
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the picturesque landscape across the entire Stonewall Kitchen campus. As we stepped inside, the warmth and hospitality of the entire staff (especially our host for the day; Sales Manager Kathleen O’Brien!) was on display. Their passion for food and dedication to quality were palpable, infusing every aspect of the tour with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.
Our day began with a guided tour of the facility, where we gained insight into the meticulous process behind Stonewall Kitchen's renowned products. From hand-picked ingredients to artisanal craftsmanship, every step of the production was carefully orchestrated to ensure the highest standards of taste and quality.
One of the highlights of the tour was witnessing the production line in action. Watching skilled artisans transform fresh fruits and vegetables into tantalizing preserves and sauces was nothing short of mesmerizing. The attention to detail and precision exhibited by the team was truly inspiring, underscoring Stonewall Kitchen's commitment to excellence. Did you know that a jar of their famous Blueberry Preserves has even been to space and back?!
Of course, no visit to Stonewall Kitchen would be complete without indulging in a tasting session. We snacked on an array of Kathleen’s homemade Stonewall Kitchen drinks and scones, while we engaged in a business planning session from their perfectly appointed meeting room. Then we enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared in the test kitchen by in-house chef Brendan and discussed how we could partner to spotlight each of the Stonewall Kitchen family of brands throughout the coming year.
Next up, we visited both the photography studio, and merchandising planning space on site. It is truly incredible that all of the stunning photography Stonewall Kitchen is so well known for is done on site at their headquarters. The photography equipment was impressive in and of itself, but what really blew us away were the shelves full of props. Each curated individually by the team, to bring the perfect styling to their various print mediums- including their catalogs.
We ended the day browsing both the Stonewall Kitchen retail store, and the home store; each boasting the dedication to their branding we all know and love. Every Stonewall Kitchen product is thoughtfully sourced and expertly merchandised making you feel both at home, and on vacation simultaneously.
Our visit to Stonewall Kitchen Headquarters only deepened my admiration for the brand. From the bustling production floor to the cozy confines of the tasting room, every moment was infused with passion and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply curious about the magic behind your favorite spreads and sauces, a tour of Stonewall Kitchen is an experience not to be missed!