Early Days – Uncle Buddy
The origins of SVB Foods trace back to the 1960s when Arlington “Art” Palmer, affectionately known as “Uncle Buddy,” founded the Shenandoah Valley Bee Company in his hometown. Uncle Buddy was a pioneer in beekeeping, managing thousands of beehives to pollinate orchards across the region and produce honey. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the expansion of his honey packing operation in the 1970s, under the Virginia Honey Company, Inc. in Berryville, Virginia. At the same location, Uncle Buddy ran a health food store offering a variety of products, including cut comb honey, honey sticks, sparkling apple cider, jams & jellies, fresh produce, and more. The 1980s saw continued growth, and by the early 1990s, he introduced salad dressing products, with the Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette becoming a standout success that remains a best-seller today.
Growing Years – 1990’s and early 2000’s
As the business flourished, so did the demands and challenges. By the mid-1990s, Uncle Buddy found stringent compliance requirements and the need for automation equipment increasingly burdensome. In 1997, Uncle Buddy sold the business to his nephew, Terry Hess, who had grown up working in the bee yards. Terry, with his background in banking and natural salesmanship, propelled the company to new heights. He expanded the product lines and secured significant deals with warehouse club stores and national grocery chains. To accommodate the growing demand, a new production facility was built in Martinsburg, West Virginia, solidifying the company’s growth trajectory.
Present Day and Future Planning
In 2012, SVB Foods, Inc. was officially established, marking a new chapter in the family business. Jimmy Hess, representing the third generation, joined the company, bringing a fresh perspective and dedication to innovation. In 2023, SVB Foods reacquired the Virginia Honey Company, reconnecting with a significant part of its history.
Today, SVB Foods continues to evolve alongside the industry, adapting to new trends and customer needs while staying true to its core values and entrepreneurial roots. Millions of pounds of dressings, sauces, honey, and other condiments are packed and sold every year under its own brand names or private labels and for foodservice customers.