Core Values: 88 Years of Quality Apple Products and Counting

“We care about making great products, but we care just as much about the people we’re making them for. That mindset has carried us through generations.”

Five generations, in fact. Those words are straight from the mouth of Meghan Custer (McCutcheon), CEO of McCutcheon’s Apple Products in Frederick, Maryland. In 1938, founder William O. McCutcheon likely never imagined his humble startup would grow into what it is today, but the strong foundation he laid was the start of something truly miraculous.

Beginning with a modest goal of providing apple-pressing services for local farmers, the company has grown into a thriving operation that offers various homestyle food products not just to their hometown of Frederick, but the entire country.

Nine Decades of Growth

Before William’s passing in 1953, Robert J. McCutcheon, Jr. took over the business. Just a few short years later, his brother William joined him, forming a business partnership that would continue the company’s upward trajectory. The brothers began to increase the number of products that McCutcheon’s would produce to include preserves such as strawberry, blueberry, and peach.

To help with the added work, the children of Bob and Bill were often enlisted to perform many tasks in the time they had free from school. As they grew older, the fourth generation began to find their place in the family business. In the 1980s, they began to take on more prominent roles. Eventually Robert J. McCutcheon III became company president, and Vanessa McCutcheon Smith, Michael R. McCutcheon, and William J. McCutcheon Jr. all took on roles as vice presidents.

The year 1993 was a big year for McCutcheon’s as business had outgrown the initial facility. A new building was constructed at the original site, allowing for much more rapid growth and keeping future expansion in mind. In more recent years, the product line has seen exciting new additions and the business has become recognized across the country—all without losing sight of the small-town values that formed the foundation of it all.

So Much More Than Apple Butter

There’s no denying that the delicious Apple Butter McCutcheon’s has been producing for over 80 years is the cornerstone of their entire product line—it remains their bestselling product to this day. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have other beloved offerings. Since the beginning, expansion has been a commitment of theirs, but they want every new product to be a thoughtful addition rather than a rushed item that will ultimately be discontinued.

Take their Beet Balls, for example. They’re a far cry from the super sweet Apple Butter they’re known for, but they’ve become one of their bestsellers despite a perceived niche customer base. They also provide a nice segue into their more savory offerings like Salsas, Hot Sauces, and a Marinara Sauce.

We would be remiss, however, if we didn’t give a big shoutout to one of their other heavy hitters: their beloved Apple Cider! If you’ve somehow made it this long without trying it out, we highly recommend it. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for their Mulled Spiced Cider, a fall seasonal favorite.

This is just a small sampling of the homestyle products McCutcheon’s has poured their love and skill into over the many years they’ve been in business. There really is something for everyone—from those with a sweet tooth to hot sauce enthusiasts, they offer: Fruit butters, baking mixes, BBQ sauces, honey, hot sauces, jelly and preserves, pickled products, salsas, Italian sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.

Almost all of these products can be ordered online—individually or wholesale for vendors—but there’s something special about visiting their retail store, located right next to their Frederick facility. Walk through their doors and you’ll find not just McCutcheon’s goodness, but plenty of charm as well! It’s a true homestyle store that inspires you to get cooking, and you’re always greeted with a smile.

A Household Name

What’s really impressive about McCutcheon’s is how they’ve managed to strike a wonderful balance of small business values and national reach. No matter where you are in the continental United States, there’s a chance you’ll discover their products at a roadside stand, small store, or farmer’s market. Seeing the care they show for their products and customers, it’s no wonder they work with thousands of independently owned retailers from coast to coast.

You won’t find their products in a “big box” store, however, and that’s by design. A focus on partnering with other small businesses—even if they’re several states away—helps McCutcheon’s stay true to their family-owned roots while also fostering growth and expansion.

With business booming, one has to wonder about how many apples they go through. Believe it or not, they were actually able to provide an answer. Over the course of a year, McCutcheon’s brings in and processes a whopping 3 million pounds of apples. That’s roughly 9 million apples—several of which are used in award-winning recipes from renowned local businesses. These include “Apple Pie Truffle” from Zoe’s Chocolate Co. and “Apple Butter Blonde Ale” from RAK Brewing Co., to name a couple.

Rich History, Bright Future

The enduring quality and charm of products from McCutcheon’s Apple Products are no accident. They’re a core part of the business’s identity—pardon the pun. With so much history to pull from, as well as the support from the thriving Frederick community, the future is looking bright. Meghan Custer, the company’s first female president, is nothing but optimistic for what’s to come.

“We’ve been part of Frederick for over 85 years, and I really think our success comes from staying rooted in this community. It’s a place that supports small businesses and values relationships—and that’s shaped the way we do business.”