Our History
A Fourth Generation Family Business
Beck Flavors was founded in 1904 in East St. Louis by Jacob Beck, who began by crafting vanilla flavoring for his soda fountain and selling it to local businesses. Over four generations, the family-owned company has grown into a leading flavor innovator headquartered in St. Louis, known for crafting custom beverage and food flavors while blending deep heritage with continuous innovation
It all started with vanilla!
1904
Founder Jacob Beck opens the soda fountain maestro on State Street in East St. Louis, developing his own vanilla flavoring selling it to the grocery store next door.
1940s to 1960s
The 2nd generation, Howard Beck, signs a deal with new creamery business named Dairy Queen. In the 60s, Beck develops fruity syrups for a slushy drink that became the iconic Mr. Misty.
1970s
Beck begins expanding categories, selling vanilla to bakeries such as Mrs. Fields, and launches the Vanilla Doctor program. The third generation of Beck brilliance—Charley and Margie—enter the family business!
1980s
Beck develops and introduces flavored coffee in Colorado, helping spark the flavored coffee boom of the 1980s.
1990s to 2000s
In the 1990s, Beck sells the company to Danisco Cultor, a Danish company. In 2010, two top flavorists and a salesperson pitch the idea of bringing Beck Flavors back to life.
2010s & Beyond!
In 2015, Matt Carr and Paul Tripi buy into Beck Flavors, becoming the 4th generation. With their leadership, Beck has added a 33,000 sq. ft. production facility, doubled the number of employees, and continues to win countless awards, including St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Top Workplaces and the nationally recognized U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100.
