History’s “The Food That Built America” continues its exploration of culinary innovation this Sunday with a look at a sweet treat that has become a ubiquitous symbol of American gifting: the box of chocolates. The episode traces the parallel stories of Stephen Whitman and Russell Stover, two confectionery pioneers who, through a combination of ingenuity and marketing savvy, transformed chocolate from an exotic import into a mainstream American delight.
Whitman’s introduction of the chocolate sampler box proved a stroke of genius, giving consumers a way to experience a variety of flavors and turning a simple purchase into a gesture of affection or celebration. Stover, recognizing the burgeoning market, built his own competing empire, sparking a rivalry that would shape the chocolate industry for decades to come.
“A Box of Chocolates” is more than just a sugary tale. It’s a story of entrepreneurship, competition, and how two men helped shape American tastes and traditions. Tune in to History this Sunday, April 13th at 9:00 PM for a taste of American ingenuity.
