H. B. Reese

H. B. Reese

H. B. Reese
Born	May 24, 1879 Frosty Hill, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	May 16, 1956 (aged 76) Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Founder of H.B. Reese Candy Company

Harry Burnett Reese (May 24, 1879 – May 16, 1956), commonly known as H. B. Reese, was an American entrepreneur and the founder of the H.B. Reese Candy Company. He is best known for creating the popular Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Early Life and Career

H. B. Reese was born on May 24, 1879, in Frosty Hill, Pennsylvania. He grew up on a farm and developed an interest in candy-making at a young age. In 1900, he moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he found employment at the Hershey Chocolate Company.

During his time at Hershey, Reese gained valuable experience in the chocolate industry. He worked in various roles, including as a dairy farmer and a foreman in the factory. Reese's passion for candy-making continued to grow, and he eventually decided to start his own business.

H.B. Reese Candy Company

In 1923, H. B. Reese founded the H.B. Reese Candy Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company initially operated out of Reese's basement, where he began producing a variety of candies. However, it was the creation of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that would make the company famous.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups quickly gained popularity and became one of the most beloved candy products in the United States. The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate proved to be a winning formula. The success of the peanut butter cups allowed the H.B. Reese Candy Company to expand its operations and become a major player in the confectionery industry.

Legacy

H. B. Reese passed away on May 16, 1956, at the age of 76, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. His legacy lives on through the continued success of the H.B. Reese Candy Company, which is now a subsidiary of The Hershey Company.

Today, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain one of the most popular candy brands in the world. The company has expanded its product line to include various other Reese's products, such as Reese's Pieces and Reese's Sticks. The Reese's brand has become synonymous with delicious peanut butter and chocolate combinations.