Custom Packaging & Products celebrates 50 years in business

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 7, 2024 - PRLog -- Custom Packaging & Products, the leader in short-run custom printed food packaging, is proud to be celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. The company, started in 1974 by entrepreneur John Van Horn Sr., assists small independent restaurants and groups brand their business with custom-printed food service papers.

Started as a paper converter, the company transitioned into retail packaging, printing gift wrap and tissue paper for retail businesses throughout Georgia. In the mid-1990s, Van Horn was approached by a paper distributor asking if he could print a small quantity of custom-printed deli papers for a few restaurant clients. Van Horn saw the demand for small quantity, low-minimum, custom-printed food service papers, developed that side of his business and found his niche.

"Customer is king in our business," said John. "We try to do everything in our power to meet the needs of our customers. We have a lot of mom-and-pop customers and that's really the core base of our business. We pursue that with great vigor. Those are the customers that are going to be with you for a long time."

In 2004, Van Horn's son, Ryan, assumed the role of President and CEO of the company. Ryan has been instrumental in expanding the company into new geographical areas and implementing innovative technologies to their business.

Ryan said, "When I first came on, we were basically a small manufacturer who sold all our products in Georgia, and that's it. I saw the potential for us to grow into the rest of the U.S. because there are so many more 'maw and paws' then McDonald's, Wendy's and the like. So that's how we started expanding."

Additionally, he oversaw the doubling of company revenue in the past eight years, and most recently, the company's highest monthly revenue in its history—in January of this year.

Sensible fiscal management has allowed the company to operate even during times of market instability. While larger food service paper companies languished during COVID-19, Custom Packaging & Products remained relevant due to the short-run, low minimum model of operating they employ.

Now, under the leadership of John, Ryan and Ryan's wife Natalie, Custom Packaging & Products is celebrating its golden anniversary.

While the business has experienced tremendous success, its leadership is also deeply committed to making a significant impact for many non-profits across Southwest Florida, through both corporate and personal philanthropic support. Organizations such as Golisano Children's Hospital, SWFL Children's Charities, Community Cooperative and others have all been recipients of Custom Packaging & Products' generosity as well as Ryan and Natalie's volunteer leadership.

To find out more about Custom Packaging & Products please call 239-201-3394 or visit custompackagingandproducts.com.