Located in the Snack Food Capital of the World in York, Pennsylvania, Meiji America – parent company of D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Co - has found growth and success in the Commonwealth since the Stauffer’s business was established in 1871. Read on to learn more about why the company calls Pennsylvania home – and why they’re choosing Pennsylvania for their next expansion.
Case Studies
What is Meiji America?
Meiji America, Inc. — a subsidiary of the Japan-based Meiji Group — is a maker of a wide range of snack foods that support active and fulfilling lives. The Meiji brand is best known for Hello Panda, Yan Yan, and Chocorooms across the U.S. and Canada. Meiji is also the parent company of Stauffer’s, best known for its Animal Crackers.
“Our vision—creating joyful life moments through our trusted brands—reflects the experience we want every customer to have,” says Steve Brubaker, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning & Supply Chain at Meiji America. “Whether it is a simple snack break or a shared family moment, our cookies and crackers are designed to deliver enjoyment, comfort, and connection.”
The company’s classic Simply Animals crackers feature 13 shapes. They’re peanut-free and made without high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors, making them a compelling option for families. They’re also produced in the company’s York, Pennsylvania facility.
Stauffer’s SNAPS ginger cookies deliver a crispy texture and signature blend of molasses, spices, and real ginger, creating a bold and memorable flavor profile.
Why is Meiji America located in York, Pennsylvania?
The Stauffer Biscuit Company has been located in York since Stauffer’s inception in 1871, and its constant presence and growth has helped make Southcentral Pennsylvania into the Snack Food Capital of the World. Meiji acquired control of the D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company in 1990 following a partnership that began in 1985, later achieving full ownership in 2004.
The region is known for its specialized ecosystem of snack food manufacturing due to its high concentration of major snack food brands located there. The ecosystem offers ready access to raw materials and ingredients, a well-equipped workforce, and a robust network of supplementary services like food labs and specialized fabrication and engineering shops for equipment. The region’s location within a day’s drive of 40 percent of the U.S. population and 60 percent of the Canadian population also enable food manufacturers to deliver their products to market quickly and efficiently.
These benefits have helped Meiji America find long-term success in Pennsylvania. “We’ve had strong and sustained sales growth in York,” Brubaker says. “The region offers a unique combination of experienced manufacturing talent, strong infrastructure, proximity to major retail markets, and highly efficient logistics. Being part of this ecosystem has enabled us to scale efficiently and remain competitive in a dynamic market.”
Courtesy: Meiji America
Our experience here has been very positive, particularly when contrasted with challenging markets like California.”
- Steve Brubaker, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Supply Chain, Meiji America (York County)
Why did Meiji choose Pennsylvania for its expansion?
In a major expansion, the company is investing $65 million into its York facility to bring the production of Hello Panda products to the East Coast for the first time (having previously been made exclusively in California). The investment includes repurposing warehouse space within the existing facility into production space, along with installing new equipment and supporting infrastructure to expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“Pennsylvania offers a competitive business environment, with advantages in labor availability and overall operating conditions compared to other regions,” Brubaker says. “Our experience here has been very positive, particularly when contrasted with challenging markets like California.”
Pennsylvania’s business environment has dramatically transformed over the past few years, with heavy emphasis placed on speeding up permitting times, investing in site development, and lowering the state’s corporate net income tax. The BusinessPA team was created to help existing Pennsylvania businesses – as well as companies from around the country and the world – grow and expand in the Commonwealth.
The state’s renewed commitment to business development helps create an environment where companies like Meiji America can thrive. The company remains committed to the York community and actively participates in Adopt-A-Highway and clean-up initiatives for the local creek. It also hosts several community events like its annual Easter Egg Hunt, Yard Sale, and Trunk or Treat. With the new expansion and additional growth anticipated, the company is set to remain a cornerstone of the region for years to come.
Courtesy: Meiji America
If your company is planning an expansion or relocation and is interested in learning more about Pennsylvania, the BusinessPA team can help you succeed in the Commonwealth through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Contact the BusinessPA team today. Stay connected with the latest announcements, funding opportunities, and business news by following us on LinkedIn and subscribing to our monthly newsletter.