Unique Snacks, a 102-year-old family-owned business based in Reading, Pennsylvania, has made a name for itself in the snack industry. Known as the pretzel capital of the world, Reading is where Unique Snacks produces its distinctive range of pretzels with various textures, flavors, and packaging options. The company, now in its sixth generation of family ownership under the leadership of Justin and William Spannuth, has successfully expanded its product line by introducing Puffzels, a line of puff pretzels in exciting flavors like Honey Mustard and Aged Cheddar.   

With 90 employees, Unique Snacks supplies major grocery chains,  specialty stores, and gourmet shops throughout the United States. Additionally, the company indirectly exports its products to customers in the Caribbean, Israel, and Japan through independent international distributors. Over the past six and a half years, Unique Snacks has been receiving valuable support from the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Kutztown SBDC has provided services such as website and social media analysis, research on corporate programs, and assistance with export sales and marketing through grants and logistics support.   

The exceptional achievements of Unique Snacks have not gone unnoticed. The company was nominated for the Eastern Pennsylvania Family-Owned Small Business of the Year award by Martin Brill, the Coordinator of the Ag Center of Excellence at the Penn State SBDC. Brill commented, “SBDC business consultants rarely work with a business over 100 years old. Our experience suggests that a small minority of small businesses survive three generations. Unique Snacks is in its sixth generation of family ownership. In short, this is a superb and exceptional small business, the best in entrepreneurship and innovation.”   

Justin Spannuth, Vice President/COO of Unique Snacks, expressed gratitude for being named the Eastern Pennsylvania Family-Owned Small Business of the Year and thanked the SBA for the recognition. He also acknowledged Martin Brill and the Penn State SBDC for their nomination and ongoing support. Unique Snacks’ journey is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation, bolstered by the assistance provided by SBDC and their commitment to giving back to the community.