Butler University hosted student-led Future Black Leaders Summit on Feb. 3

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

In 1914, the American Licorice Company's factory began in a small rented space on West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago, founded by Martin Kretchmer, son Frank Kretchmer and son-in-law Peter Shock. Martin started his career selling wares on the streets of Chicago out of a small cart, but fast forward to one hundred year later and the company remain a proud family-owned company, with their great grandchildren running the company and the first generation joining the ranks.

INITIATIVES FOR THE GREATER GOOD

In 2011, American Licorice Co. began its corporate charitable giving program. Its primary charitable cause has been providing school bags and school supplies through the Kids In Need Foundation to schools located around its Union City and La Porte locations. American Licorice Co. supports many other organizations, and is always on the lookout for great community organizations to support.Also in 2010, ALC began to focus its efforts on reducing its environmental impact. ALC set out to reduce its carbon emissions by 10%, which it achieved in 2014, and achieve Zero Waste Certification in both locations. In 2013, Union City achieved Gold status through the Zero Waste Council, and in 2016, La Porte followed suit.

A 100 YEAR LEGACY

In September of 2014, American Licorice Co. surpassed the 100 years in business mark. In that time, we have had the pleasure of creating some of the best candies, watched our fans beam with happiness as they celebrated their lives with our treats, and worked (and continue to work) with the best family of associates a team could ask for. When Martin Kretchmer started this small licorice company in Chicago, he undoubtedly did not know that he was creating a company that would reach and impact the lives of so many people. We hope that we are making him proud every day.