1782
John Garrett II starts a business
Toward the end of the Revolutionary War, John Garrett II returns to his home outside of Wilmington, Delaware, after serving as captain of the 6th Delaware Militia Company. He builds a snuff mill on Red Clay Creek and begins to manufacture Garrett Scotch Snuff.
1795
Levi Garrett & Sons
Levi Garrett begins running his father's business under the name Levi Garrett & Sons. He opens a store in Philadelphia to sell the family's dry snuff, kegs of twists (a form of chewing tobacco made from a twist of Virginian tobacco), rolls of plug tobacco and "segars." Snuff is packaged in bottles, beef bladders and containers made from animal gullets.
1851
W.E. Garrett & Sons
Levi's two sons follow him in the business. His son William brings his own sons. The company name is changed to W.E. Garrett and Sons.
1870
Garrett Snuff Trademark
Garrett Snuff is one of the first ten trademarks issued by the newly formed U.S. Patent Office.
1900
American Snuff Company is founded
1912
Headquarters moves to Memphis
The headquarters of the new American Snuff Co. is moved from New York to Memphis, Tennessee, and fierce competition between the three companies begins. The key brands for American Snuff Co. are Levi Garrett, W.E. Garrett, Dental Scotch and Honest Scotch.
1952
Acquiring Taylor Brothers
American Snuff Co. purchases Taylor Brothers of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded by William B. Taylor in 1883, Taylor Brothers is a manufacturer of plug, twist and loose leaf chewing tobacco, with brands including Bull of the Woods and Cannon Ball. Later, Conwood brands and Red Fox brands were added.
1967
Acquisition of Scott Tobacco Company
Scott Tobacco Co., a business based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is acquired. Scott Tobacco manufactures popular twist chewing tobacco, including the brands Mammoth Cave and Warren County.
1974
Levi Garrett
Introduced in 1974, Levi Garrett chewing tobacco had a distinctive taste compared to previous loose leaf products.
1980
Hawken
Hawken is introduced into national distribution with a unique cut and as the first product of its kind in the loose leaf category. It is the first smokeless product to be marketed in a round plastic can.
1980
Kodiak
Kodiak moist snuff is successfully launched and sales grow steadily.
1985
Sold to the prominent Pritzker Family of Chicago, IL and name changed to Conwood Company
1998
Cougar
Cougar is launched as a new value brand option.
2001
Grizzly
Grizzly Long Cut Wintergreen and Fine Cut Natural are introduced in a three-state market. Results are outstanding and distribution is soon expanded into surrounding states with full national distribution by the end of 2002.
2006
Acquisition by RAI
Reynolds American Inc. acquires Conwood Holdings, Inc., which held the rights to Grizzly and other brands.
2010
American Snuff Co.
To reflect a proud tobacco heritage, name returned to American Snuff Company, LLC
2021
Cougar Rebrand
To meet growing demand for value in the moist category, Cougar is redesigned with a more rugged blue-collar look and offered at a new, more competitive price.
2022
Grizzly Snus
Grizzly Snus, a spit-free tobacco pouch, is launched as more consumers turn to convenient tobacco options.
2023
Levi Garrett Moist Snuff
Carrying on the legacy of John Garrett, America’s first tobacco producer, Levi Garrett is launched as an ultra-premium moist snuff.
2024
Grizzly Nicotine Pouches
Grizzly Nicotine Pouches debut in three styles as the demand for tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouches surges.