Canning Information
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This year, you can too.
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Our History
Take a look back at the milestones that have preserved Mrs. Wages® reputation as your trusted partner in the kitchen. We are proud of our high standards of quality that have truly stood the test of time.
1950s
It all started with a feisty lady named Mrs. Wages who loved to put up food from her garden. She and her husband had a country store near Tupelo, Mississippi, way back in the early ‘50s that was a gathering spot for local farmers.
1960s
A friend, Mr. Erskin Dacus of Dacus Drug Co., dropped by the store to inquire about a pickling lime recipe to add to a line of home canning products he was developing. Customers overheard the conversation and recommended Mrs. Wages’ recipe. Mr. Dacus tried her recipe and the rest is history! He bought her recipe on the spot and it became an instant hit.
1970s
MID 1970s
Mrs. Wages® includes original pickle mixes (spices), vinegar, sealing wax, pickling lime, pickling salt, citric acid, fresh fruit preserver, and Home-Jell Fruit Pectin.
LATE 1970s
Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, and Chili Base are introduced.
1980s
1983
Dacus Foods was incorporated.
1987
Introduced Taco Sauce, Light Fruit Pectin Home-Jell, & Pickle It
LATE 1980s-90s
Salsa Line was introduced.
1990s
1995
Precision Foods Inc., acquires Dacus Foods of Tupelo, MS specializing in dry canning and pickling products.
1996
PFI admin moves to St. Louis, MO from Tupelo, MS.
1999
PFI moves admin functions from Tupelo, MS to St. Louis, MO. Tupelo remains open as a production facility.
2000s
2003
PFI moves into a new 125,000 square foot facility in Bolingbrook, IL & closes Tupelo, MS facility.
EARLY 2000s
New logo is launched for a full rebrand. Ranch Products were launched.
2005-2010
Introduced different heat levels for the Salsa line.
2013-2020
New Product Additions: Guacamole, Spicy Pickle Mix, Taco & Fajita Seasoning Mixes, Pepper Jack Queso, Fruit Pie Fillings & Juices, Margarita, Salsa Con Queso, Zesty Potato Topper, 1 Step Kimchi, & 1 Step Coleslaws
