Did they stop making King Syrup?

The History of King Syrup

King Syrup has been a beloved breakfast staple since its introduction in the 1920s by the King Quality Products Company based in Louisville, Kentucky. The sweet, thick maple-flavored syrup quickly became popular across the South and Midwest as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. For decades, the iconic green-labeled bottle of King Syrup was a familiar sight on diner tables and kitchen tables alike.

King Syrup was originally made using sugar cane as the main sweetener. The extraction process yielded a thick, amber-colored syrup with a distinctive maple flavor profile. In the 1940s, King Syrup’s formula was changed to utilize more affordable corn syrup as the primary sweetener while maintaining a similar flavor. This allowed the brand to grow its market share as a mass-produced, value-priced syrup option.

Over the years, King Syrup changed hands between various food companies but remained a strong regional brand. For families who grew up enjoying King Syrup, it holds a sense of nostalgia and tradition. The classic King Syrup bottle with its regal crown logo and foil seal was iconic Americana.

The Decline of King Syrup

In the 1990s and 2000s, King Syrup began to lose market share as pancake syrup preferences shifted. Major national brands like Aunt Jemima and private label store brands provided stiffer competition. There was also a rising trend toward more natural, organic syrups as consumers became more health and ingredient conscious.

The growth of real maple syrup as a premium (but pricier) alternative also put pressure on King Syrup’s market share. Though King Syrup had a maple flavor, it contained no actual maple syrup. Consumer willingness to pay for 100% real maple syrup cut into sales.

At the same time, King Syrup was facing greater distribution challenges. As grocery chains consolidated, there were fewer opportunities for regional brands like King Syrup to be sold outside their core Southern markets. Larger national chains tended to prefer wider distribution of their private label brands.

The King Syrup Brand Today

In 2008, King Syrup was acquired by the Arma Foods company. Under this new ownership, Arma Foods set out to revitalize and modernize the King Syrup brand for contemporary consumers.

Arma Foods made the strategic decision to play up the retro, nostalgic aspects of King Syrup that made it iconic for so many. Marketing focused on the traditional family breakfast scenes that were synonymous with the beloved regional brand. King Syrup’s history as a long-time staple of old-fashioned diners was also showcased.

To appeal to modern preferences, King Syrup formulas were revised. High fructose corn syrup was removed and replaced with natural cane sugar. A new line of premium organic King Syrup was also introduced. This helped attract health-conscious shoppers who wanted real ingredients.

Distribution of King Syrup has expanded beyond its traditional Southern stronghold through wider grocery availability and e-commerce sales. The brand has also benefited from placement in trendy restaurants serving comfort foods and modern twists on classics like chicken and waffles.

Is King Syrup Still Being Produced?

Yes, King Syrup continues to be produced and sold today by Arma Foods. However, distribution is not as widespread as it once was during King Syrup’s peak popularity through the mid-20th century.

King Syrup maintains a steady presence across much of the South where it originated and strongest brand affinity remains. It can be found in many supermarkets and convenience stores in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Outside of the South, King Syrup has lost shelf space over time. It has lower grocery store distribution in other regions like the Midwest, West Coast and Northeast where it once held a wider presence. Nonetheless, it retains a cult following in pockets across the country.

Those seeking that nostalgic taste of King Syrup can usually find it online even if local grocery availability is limited. King Syrup’s e-commerce ordering and subscription options have helped the brand connect with consumers beyond its geographical strongholds.

Why Finding King Syrup Can Be Difficult

There are a few factors that explain why King Syrup is harder to find in some areas compared to the peak of its popularity:

  • Increased competition from larger national brands and private label syrups has made grocery shelf space more difficult for King Syrup to retain.
  • Distribution challenges as a smaller regional brand compared to global food conglomerates with more resources and reach.
  • Consolidation in the grocery and supermarket industries has reduced opportunities for smaller labels.
  • Shifting consumer preferences toward organic, natural, or premium syrup options.

For die-hard fans of King Syrup who have trouble finding it locally, the good news is you can usually purchase it online. The brand remains in production and committed King Syrup consumers have kept the brand going, even if availability is not as ubiquitous as decades ago.

The Future of King Syrup

The future outlook for King Syrup seems relatively stable thanks to its cult following and smart positioning by owner Arma Foods. Playing up the retro appeal and legacy of King Syrup has tapped into a feeling of nostalgia that resonates with many consumers.

It will likely remain a strong regional brand in the South where generations grew up with the familiar green-labeled bottle on the breakfast table. Those strongholds will continue anchoring the brand even if national distribution is unlikely to return to peak levels.

The company has also shown a willingness to innovate and evolve King Syrup’s marketing and product line for changing times. Introduction of organic and cleaner label options aid health perceptions of the brand. The focus on nostalgia and tradition gives it an authentic connection that consumers crave.

Of course, the syrup category overall faces evolving trends that require agility. But Arma Foods has demonstrated their commitment to keeping King Syrup an active brand, if not to the national scope it once enjoyed. The loyal fans they have retained provide a base that should sustain the brand into the future.

For those seeking that sweet taste of childhood memories with hotcakes dripping in syrup, King Syrup endures. While it may require some searching beyond your local grocer’s shelves, this Southern staple brand lives on for pancake lovers willing to hunt it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was King Syrup first made?

King Syrup first debuted in the 1920s when it was introduced by the King Quality Products Company based in Louisville, Kentucky. It quickly became popular, especially in the South and Midwest.

What flavors does King Syrup come in?

The traditional King Syrup has a maple flavor profile. They also introduced a premium organic line of King Syrup in pure maple and maple brown sugar flavors.

Is King Syrup only sold in the South?

It has the strongest distribution and sales in the South where it originated, but can also be found in pockets nationwide and through online ordering. Its availability is more limited outside southern states than at its peak.

How does King Syrup compare to real maple syrup?

King Syrup has an artificial maple flavor, while real maple syrup comes straight from the maple tree. Real maple syrup has a more complex, nuanced flavor and is more expensive. King Syrup offers an affordable maple-flavored alternative.

Where can I buy King Syrup if it’s not at my local store?

King Syrup can be purchased online directly through their website or through retailers like Walmart.com and Amazon. Arma Foods, the current producer of King Syrup, has ensured wider online availability for fans struggling to find it in stores.

Conclusion

King Syrup holds a special place in the hearts and tastebuds of many who grew up enjoying this Southern breakfast staple. While its distribution has decreased over the decades, this nostalgia-steeped brand endures thanks to loyal fans and smart marketing by owner Arma Foods.

Focusing on tradition, authenticity, and innovation has allowed King Syrup to maintain its regional strongholds. Expanded e-commerce availability also connects the brand to new consumers. Though it faces category trends and stiffer competition, King Syrup continues to deliver its signature maple flavored sweetness to pancake lovers willing to seek it out.

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