Founding (1869)

Libby’s began in 1869 as Libby, McNeill & Libby in Chicago, Illinois.1 The company was founded by Archibald McNeill, Arthur Libby, and Charles Libby.1 Initially, the firm specialized in preserving meat, especially corned beef packed in brine, during an era when refrigeration was not yet common.1

Innovation

One of Libby’s earliest innovations was its distinctive trapezoid-shaped can, introduced in 1875. This unusual packaging improved shipping efficiency, helped consumers recognize the brand, and became one of the earliest examples of recognizable food packaging. The package quickly became an iconic symbol of Libby’s corned beef.

Expansion

By the late 1800s, Libby’s had become one of America’s largest food processors. The company expanded into canned vegetables, canned fruits, tropical fruits, tomato products, and frozen foods. By 1880, Libby’s employed approximately 1,500 workers in Chicago. By the early 1900s, it had become an international food company with factories in multiple countries.1

1869

Founded in Chicago.

1875

Introduced the famous trapezoid corned beef can.

Early 1900s

Expanded globally into fruits and vegetables.

World War I

Libby’s corned beef became an important military ration supplied to Allied troops.

1920s

The company came under the control of Swift & Company, one of America’s largest meat processors.1

In 1971, Libby’s was acquired by Nestlé. During Nestlé’s ownership, new juice products were introduced and Libby’s Pumpkin became a leading canned pumpkin brand in the United States. Frozen dinners and children’s products were also launched during this period. Additionally, the famous “Libby’s, Libby’s, Libby’s” advertising campaign gained widespread recognition.3

Beginning in the 1980s, Nestlé gradually sold or licensed different parts of the Libby’s business. Examples include:

• Vegetables → Seneca Foods
• Fruits → various licensed companies over time
• Corned Beef → ConAgra (through acquisition)
• Juices → Tequesta Foods
• Pumpkin → Nestlé USA (licensed)

Eventually, the trademark itself was transferred to Libby’s Brand Holding, which now licenses the brand globally to different manufacturers.2

Today the Libby’s name appears on hundreds of food products, including:

Fruits

• Pineapple
• Fruit Cocktail
• Peaches
• Pears
• Apricots
• Mandarin Oranges
• Tropical Fruit Mix

Vegetables

• Corn
• Green Beans
• Peas
• Mixed Vegetables
• Carrots
• Sauerkraut

Meat

• Corned Beef
• Vienna Sausages
• Canned Beef
• Chili

Pumpkin

One of the most recognized Libby’s products is 100% Pure Pumpkin, widely used for pumpkin pie, especially during Thanksgiving in the United States.3

Beverages

• Mango Nectar
• Guava Nectar
• Pear Nectar
• Peach Nectar
• Mixed Fruit Juice
• Tropical Juices

Other Foods

• Tomato Sauce
• Ketchup
• Pasta Sauce
• Condiments
• Frozen Vegetables

Although Libby’s originated in the United States, the brand is now sold throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.1 Different countries often carry different Libby’s product ranges based on local licensing agreements.1

Libby’s has built its reputation around quality ingredients, long shelf life, convenience, family meals, and trusted heritage. Its longstanding slogan is:

“The Quality Choice of Generations.”

Perhaps Libby’s best-known advertising campaign featured the memorable jingle:

“When it says Libby’s, Libby’s, Libby’s on the label, label, label…”

The campaign became one of the most recognizable food advertisements in America during the 1970s and 1980s.1

2

• Libby’s is over 150 years old, making it one of America’s oldest continuously recognized food brands.
• The brand’s original trapezoid corned beef can became an iconic package design.
• Libby’s canned pumpkin dominates the U.S. canned pumpkin market during the holiday baking season.1
• Today, the Libby’s name appears on more than 200 food products worldwide, spanning fruits, vegetables, meats, beverages, sauces, and frozen foods.

Libby’s has evolved from a 19th-century canned meat producer into a globally recognized food brand with a diverse portfolio. While the original company no longer operates as a single manufacturer, the Libby’s trademark continues through licensed partnerships, maintaining its reputation for convenient, shelf-stable foods and a heritage spanning more than a century and a half.1

1. Libby’s
2. Libby’s History | Libby’s
3. Libby’s International-Americas