| |  |  | | | | | | |  |
| | The History of Duncan Hines |
| The Duncan Hines Seal of Approval
In the 1940s, Duncan Hines was a traveling salesman turned food critic, who through his books became the authority on quality food. When he gave a restaurant a top rating, it would be presented with a "Recommended by Duncan Hines" sign. Today, our logo is a combination of the sign with a book, and is emblazoned on all of our mix packages.
The Authoring Years
 Duncan's authoring success began when traveling across America as a salesman. On the road day after day, he would eat in many a restaurant of varying degrees of quality. As more people began venturing on long distance driving trips, he wanted to help them find quality food and excellent service. In 1935, Duncan and his wife, Florence, compiled a list of 167 recommended establishments and sent it out as a Christmas present. He wrote: "I am passing this information on to you, hoping that it may yield enjoyment and delectation, should you find yourself in the vicinity of one of these 'harbors of refreshment' as you travel hither and yon."
Word spread quickly, and soon he quit traveling sales to write full time. His books grew to include more restaurant reviews along with hotel and lodging reviews. He also compiled collections of recipes--including one for a passion of his: baked goods.
A Brand Was Born
It was Duncan's well-respected persona and business sense that prompted North Carolina businessman, Roy Park, to approach him in 1948. Roy proposed that he lend his name to a line of packaged foods from many top manufacturers. In May, 1950, Duncan Hines vanilla ice cream was delivered to the shelves of grocery stores across the nation. Initially, there were hundreds of products under the Hines-Park name, including cake mixes.
Their venture was a success, and in 1956 Procter & Gamble purchased the brand with the authority to put the Duncan Hines name on other food products. The line was eventually pared down to the the family-favorite mixes you know and love today. |
| | Brand Info |
| The Duncan Hines® Brand
Create your own delicious desserts with the cake, brownie, muffin and cookie mixes and ready-to-serve frostings you know and trust. Duncan Hines, the man, was one of the most respected food critics in America when he founded the brand over 50 years ago. Today, these mixes and frostings are developed in memory of his inventive spirit to inspire your love of baking. Use them as your starting point to reflect your own personal touch. Have a question or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you! Call us at 1-800-362-9834, or email us your comment or question. Our Kitchen Experts
Our staff of home economists--who share your love of baking--create recipes with our mixes and frostings. When they have a new recipe idea, they test it and verify the cooking instructions in kitchens just like yours, so you can be sure that it will produce perfect results in your kitchen too. With their hands-on knowledge, they have great ideas for new products that deserve to be in your pantry. |
| | Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. |
| | Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., with corporate offices in Mountain Lakes and Cherry Hill, New Jersey is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products in the frozen foods and dry foods segments. The dry foods segment consists primarily of Duncan Hines® baking mixes and frostings; Vlasic® pickles, peppers and relish; Armour® canned meats; Open Pit® barbeque sauce; Mrs. Butterworth's® and Log Cabin® syrups and pancake mixes. The frozen foods segment consists primarily of Aunt Jemima® frozen breakfasts; Swanson® and Hungry Man® frozen dinners and entrees; Van de Kamp's® and Mrs. Paul's® frozen seafood; Celeste® pizza; and Lender's® bagels. | | » Jump to Top | | | |  | |
