$175 MILLION FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Paul Newman, as sole owner of Newman's Own®, donates all his profits and royalties after taxes for educational and charitable purposes. Paul Newman has given over $175 million to thousands of charities since 1982.
It was 1982 when Paul Newman and his longtime friend, author A. E. Hotchner, decided to begin an unconventional company with a charitable mission. Newman and Hotchner had earlier started the tradition of filling wine bottles with homemade dressing as Christmas gifts for friends. "More! We want more!" their friends clamored. Newman and Hotchner decided that if the dressing was good enough for their pals, it was good enough for the public. So they initiated a unique business venture - Newman's Own - with the unique mission of donating 100% of the profits to those in need.
Newman's Own began with $40,000 and was tested by pals in Newman's kitchen. Products were critiqued around his ping-pong table and then sold directly to grocery stores. According to the food industry experts at the time, this operation should have lost $1 million in the first year. But after 12 months of business, what started as a joke ended up giving close to $1 million to charity!
Newman attributes the extraordinary success of his company to two policies. First, he insists on top quality, all-natural products with no added preservatives. Second, he gives all after-tax profits to charities both in the United States and abroad. Newman's Own combines these two principles, allowing consumers to purchase great tasting products while supporting their communities. It's all about eating good food and doing good at the same time!
The first Newman's Own product was the now famous Oil & Vinegar Dressing. In the 20 years since its launch, the brand has expanded product offerings to include a collection of salad dressings, pasta sauces, salsas, popcorn, lemonade, and steak sauce. In 1993 the business expanded to include Newman's daughter, Nell, when she created a line of organic food products called Newman's Own Organics. This inventive and timely division of Newman's Own uses only certified organically grown ingredients. Products range from Pretzels and Chocolate Chip Cookies to Tortilla Chips, Chocolate Bars, Fig Newmans™, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, and Pop's Corn.
One of thousands of charities that has received donations from Newman's Own holds a special place in the heart of the company. The Hole-In-The-Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1986 when A. E. Hotchner and Paul Newman dedicated funds from Newman's Own to create a special place for children with cancer. This camp welcomes 1,000 kids, free of charge, from across the United States and abroad every summer. It is here that children with cancer or serious blood diseases find camaraderie, joy and a renewed sense of childhood.
Newman's Own products are available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Iceland, England, Germany, Israel and Japan. Newman's Own donates 100% of all after-tax profits to charities in the communities that buy its products.
