“We’ve also worked at developing some of the better-for-you items under our Good Natured brand,” says Jim. “We’ve seen some nice increases in distribution there.”
Herr Foods takes two distinct paths toward meeting the needs of shoppers seeking better-for-you salty snacks. “You have your go-to Herr’s brands, with some products that have less sodium or less fat, and fewer calories,” says Jeremiah. “And then there are the Good Natured products that have more nutritional value.”
Also, in March, to commemorate Herr’s landmark 75th anniversary in 2021, the company released an LTO Homestyle kettle-cooked potato chip with special packaging.
Forever good
At the core of Herr Foods is the notion of “Forever Good,” a trademarked slogan that follows the brand on product packaging through marketing campaigns and in company literature.
“It encompasses the cultural aspect of our business,” says Jim. “We are a family business and intend to keep it that way. It’s an ode to our heritage. Also, on the quality side, it represents consistency—that our consumers can trust us. We’ve long been a part of their lives—and their parents’ and even grandparents’ lives. The consistency, quality, and dependability of the brand is what we mean when we say ‘Forever Good.’”
It’s also about good work. The J.S. Herr Family Foundation, established in 1988, continues the Herr family legacy of gifting to charitable causes, providing annual financial support to several nonprofit organizations.
As Ed says, regarding the responsibility of maintaining his parents’ legacy, “We can’t fill their shoes, but we can sure try to keep a shine on them.”
“Part of our legacy is giving back to the local community,” says Jim. “We’re one of the larger employers in our region, and we feel like it’s our responsibility to give back to a community that supports our Herr Foods family.”
As part of its 75th anniversary celebration this year, Herr’s donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army’s food assistance program, providing meals to over 6,000 families in Philadelphia. And in April and May, Herr’s launched the #ChipInChallenge campaign, focusing on “random acts of kindness.” To jump-start the “chip it forward” movement, Herr’s surprised consumers across Philadelphia neighborhoods by buying their lunch, including a bag of Herr’s chips, and encourage them to join the #ChipInChallenge by paying it forward to a fellow Philadelphian.
“We have good energy around why we do what we do,” says Ed. “It’s really the reason that we want to keep growing. We want the opportunity to work together as a family, but we also want the opportunity to help other families. We want to help our employees more. We want to help their families more. We want to help the communities where they live more. It’s probably the biggest motivation to make more profit. That’s what made my parents tick, and it’s what drives us today.”