Northern Kentucky has a long and proud history of invention and manufacturing. But you may be surprised to learn what is made right here.
Kentucky may be known for bourbon, bluegrass and horseracing but have you ever wondered what the Northern Kentucky region is known for? What do nutritious chicken, enthralling playing cards, tangy candy, minty gum, luxurious coats and tasty bourbon all have in common? They come straight out of the place you call home: Northern Kentucky. Here are six brands and companies that manufacture and/or were founded in Northern Kentucky.
Airheads
Remember those tangy and chewy candies you always wanted in your Halloween bucket as a kid? They’re manufactured locally by Dutch-Italian company Perfetti Van Melle in Erlanger, Kentucky. Airheads were created by Steve Bruner in 1985 and have been a staple amongst the candy scene ever since.
Using his experience from working at Mars, another candy company, Bruner knew the importance of having a catchy namesake. He asked his son what names he and his friends called each other and one of the names stuck: Airhead. When Airheads first launched, it was a 24-count box with a “bright deep red wrapper.” The flavor? Just “Airheads.” Now, Airheads boasts countless beloved flavors such as strawberry, cherry, watermelon, orange, grape, blue raspberry, green apple and the always fun mystery.
Perfetti Van Melle has been manufacturing in Erlanger since 1978 (then as Van Melle), employing hundreds of local Kentuckians in its factory.
Mentos
Chances are, you or your kids have probably plopped Mentos into Diet Coke, causing a massive eruption. Little did you know that Mentos Gum is bottled and packed here in Erlanger, Kentucky. Perfetti Van Melle, the maker of Airheads, also owns Mentos. The company’s origins actually trace back to 1932 when brothers Michael and Pierre van Melle, on a train ride to Poland, envisioned a “peppermint flavored caramel candy.”
Almost 100 years later, Mentos is still a favorite among mint, gum and candy enthusiasts alike. Traditional Mentos—like mint, mixed fruit, strawberry and rainbow—come in a roll of 14 pieces. Mentos Gum—ranging from 15 to 100 pieces—comes in fresh mint, spearmint, watermelon, cotton candy, cinnamon, wintergreen and other tasty flavors.
Next time you see these yummy, scrumptious and flavorful treats at the grocery store checkout aisle, you’ll know they were made in the region you call home.
Fabulous-Furs
Need to add a new item to your wardrobe? Northern Kentucky-based Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs can help with that.
Over 30 years ago, Donna Salyers sewed herself a luxurious faux fur coat and then decided to create a sewing kit so others could do the same. Nowadays, Fabulous-Furs has sold in over 46 countries and has been sold in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Gorsuch.
Over 60% of Salyer’s merchandise is handcrafted in the United States. All of the items go through a “rigorous 20-point quality inspection and assurance” so you can have confidence that your new purchase will hold up and withstand time. Fabulous-Furs sells coats, jackets, vests, ponchos, wraps, hats, scarves, handbags, gloves, jewelry, eyewear, throws, pillows, rugs, custom bedding and more.
Fabulous-Furs has even been featured in countless fashion and lifestyle magazines—such as Cosmopolitan, O Magazine, InStyle, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Lucky, Allure and British Vogue. Next time you’re flipping through one of your favorite magazines and you stumble upon Fabulous-Furs, you’ll feel proud of your Northern Kentucky region.
The United States Playing Card Company
Pick a card, any card. Chances are, that card was made in Erlanger, Kentucky. That’s right, the famous United States Playing Card Company has been headquartered locally in Northern Kentucky since 2009.
The company—originally called Russell Morgan & Co.—was founded in 1867 and printed posters, labels and placards. By the 1880s, the country was fascinated with traveling via bicycle, unicycle and tricycle. Employees decided to name a new product “Bicycle” and the rest is history.
By 1900, The United States Playing Card Company moved to Norwood, Ohio, for manufacturing where it was based for over 100 years.
This local company has helped and aided American soldiers during WWII by printing specialty cards with military information—such as images of enemy tanks, ships and aircrafts—as well as concealed maps. The company’s current lineup includes Bicycle Rider Back, Bicycle Aureo Black, Tally-Ho Circle Back and plenty of other playing cards that Americans have come to know and love.
Tyson Foods
You probably know, love and eat many Tyson Foods brand items, but did you know that some of them are manufactured locally in Alexandria?
Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, Tyson Foods has manufacturing facilities all over the country to produce the food you and your family adore. Tyson Foods’ portfolio of brands includes Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farms, Ball Park, Sara Lee, Raised & Rooted, State Fair, Bosco’s and countless other delicious brands and offerings.
Tyson Foods raked in a massive $47 billion during the 2021 fiscal year, selling its food to Americans all across the nation. With over 137,000 employees, two research centers, 14 beef facilities, seven pork facilities, 186 chicken facilities and 34 prepared foods facilities, it’s safe to say Alexandria’s manufacturing facility plays a vital role in this massive company.
Be on the lookout for your favorite food next time you’re at the store. Who knows, maybe it was manufactured nearby.
New Riff Distilling
If you’re a Northern Kentuckian, you’ve probably visited the locally loved New Riff Distilling once or twice (or more). New Riff Distilling prides itself on bringing a new riff to an old tradition—that tradition being Kentucky’s favorite drink: bourbon.
Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, New Riff has been crafting a range of delicious whiskeys and entertaining locals and tourists alike ever since. Fan favorites include Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Wild Gin, Backsetter Rye Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and plenty more.
New Riff not only makes its own bourbon, but it also invites you to take a tour of the facility and watch how the process works. “Bonded” Tours offer guests an exclusive, first-hand look through the Kentucky bourbon distilling process—all the way from the grain itself to the drink in your glass. After each tour, guests receive complimentary tastings of New Riff spirits. That sounds like our kind of day!
