Newell (formerly Jarden): The home canning giant.
Newell is a company that produces most of the Mason jars and Mason jar lids for North America. They do so under the following brand names: Ball, Bernardin, Golden Harvest, and Kerr.
- Ball jars are mostly sold in the eastern-half of the United States;
- Bernardin jars are in Canada;
- Golden Harvest are sold throughout North America;
- Kerr jars are mostly found on the west coast of the United States.
Newell also produces associated supplies for the home canning market, as well as the Ball and Bernardin canning recipe books which are regarded as reputable and authoritative.
Newell was known as “Jarden” from 2002 to 2016.
Newell around the world
Newell in Australia
https://www.freshpreserving.com.au/
Newell in Canada
https://www.bernardin.ca (English)
https://www.bernardin.ca/french_pages/accueil/1.php (French)
United States
Newell operates a combined web-site for Ball and Kerr at: https://www.freshpreserving.com/
There is no website for Golden Harvest.
Background information on Newell
Newell also owns many other well-known companies outside the home-preserving field, such as Coleman (the camping people), Brevil, Crock-Pot, Foodsaver, Mr Coffee, Oster, Rival, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, etc.
Newell is the third name for the corporate conglomerate. The company was originally called Alltrista. Alltrista was created in April of 1993 as a spin off company from Ball Corporation to own and make Ball products under licence. Nine years later, in May 2002, the name was changed to the invented name of “Jarden.”
The Wikipedia entry for Jarden (as of 17 March 2015) explains the meaning of the corporation’s first two names, Alltrista and Jarden:
The company was renamed in May 2002. The company’s previous name, Alltrista, was created by dropping the “B” from Ball and the “Minne” from Minnetrista, the street on which the Ball family had grown up in Muncie, IN. Between 1993 and 2001, as a public company, Alltrista did not perform well and, after Martin E. Franklin and Ian G.H. Ashken joined the company in 2001, Mr. Franklin decided to change the name of the company to something that represented not only the company’s heritage, but also its future. The company did not hire any consultants to assist with the naming process. Martin Franklin conceived the Jarden name by combining the heritage of the Ball “Jar” with the concept of products being used in the home (the “den”). The coinage of “Jarden” also invoked the connotation of the French word for garden (jardin), since the company planned to expand its product range outside the home.”
In 1994, the company acquired Bernardin in Canada, and the Fruit-Fresh brand product line.
In 1996, the company acquired the Kerr company, closing production in Jackson, Tennessee and consolidating Kerr and Ball production in Muncie, Indiana.
In 1998, the Golden Harvest line of canning products was introduced.
In 2013, Jarden bought a company called Penley which amongst other things was selling some Mason jars (made in China for them), but Jarden shut down Penley’s Mason jar line. [1] “He said he said he was surprised to find the Penley lids, since the company had decided to get into making fruit jars and shipped in a supply made in China, but before they could be sold they were bought out by Jarden. The inventory sat in the warehouse for a while before the decision was made to destroy the inventory.” — Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club. Midwest Glass Chatter – October 2013. Accessed March 2015 at http://www.leaderjar.com/glasschatter/Glass%20Chatter%20October%202013.pdf
Jarden’s headquarters were first in Muncie, Indiana; then in Indianapolis, Indiana; [2] Company history of Alltrista Corporation, International Directory of Company Histories. Accessed March 2015 at https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/alltrista-corporation-history/ then in Rye, New York, and then as of 2014, in Boca Raton, Florida. [3] “After years of moving its employees south, Jarden Corp. has officially switched its headquarters to Boca Raton to give the city another major corporate player to boast about. Formerly based in Rye, N.Y., the company (NYSE: JAH) changed its headquarters address in public filings to 1800 North Military Trail several months ago, spokeswoman Rachel Wilson said. It still has offices in both cities, but its larger workforce is in Boca Raton, she said.” — Bandell, Brian. Company with $7B in sales now calls Boca Raton home. South Florida Business Journal. 13 March 2014. Accessed March 2015 at https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2014/03/13/company-with-7b-in-sales-now-calls-boca-raton-home.html?page=all
Tidbit for Canadians: Jarden had a contract to supply penny blanks to the Royal Canadian Mint until 2016. [4] Jarden Corporation Annual Report filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. 31 December 2013. Commission File Number: 001-13665.
In 2016, Jarden was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid in a move that was branded a “merger.” The “merged” company renamed itself to “Newell Brands.”
Name history summary
- 1993 and prior: Ball, Kerr and Bernardin jars all made by their respective brands
- 1993: Ball spins off its home canning jar division, naming it “Alltrista”
- 1994: Bernardin bought and merged into Alltrista
- 1996: Kerr bought and merged into Alltrista
- 1998: Alltrista introduces fourth economy line of jars, “Golden Harvest”
- 2002: Alltrista becomes “Jarden”
- 2016: Jarden becomes “Newell Brands”
Further reading
Canning Around the Globe! Jarden Home Brands Presents First Ever International Can-It-Forward Day. Press release. 4 August 2014.
Company history of Alltrista Corporation, International Directory of Company Histories.
References
Roberta
Recently purchased the 240mlx12 of the Harvest Goodness glass mason jars. Was very disappointed 3 of the jars were chipped on the rim when I opened up the pack. The snap lids included were nice, however the rubber seals were all over the inner lid.
Jane Galbierz
I purchased 3 boxes of Ball Regular lids. I opened 2 boxes to start canning
tomatoes. Out of 24 lids I was only able to use 17. The other 7 had sealing compound all over the inside metal. I just wanted you to be aware of this problem.
Lora Shepard
I have been using Kerr and Ball canning lids for over 30 years. Last year I thought I bought a few bad boxes. Bought new this year. So far my closest estimate of how much money I have lost between false seals, explosions, food lost and the cost of the seeds is close to $200.00. This doesn’t include any of the time to grow let alone prepare and can all the goods. We are disabled, have a very limited budget and to lose this much really hurts our bottom line. Maybe I should go to another company to get the quality needed!
Robert Bidwell
We bought NEW jars this year as we needed more. In 3 of the NEW cases the lids were damaged and unusable. There was no damage to the rings or jars. The lids showed mechanical damage. I sent a “Contact Us” email to the company, and after a week+ have not heard any response. NOT the customer service one would expect.
Candy Cook
I am in need of rubber/silicone canning rings for a small, glass-lid jar. The jars have: 1776, 1883, 1778, etc. on the bottom.
I received some Olympic Street Gold honey in a glass top jar a few years back. The rubber ring from that jar fits perfectly. Unfortunately I could not find contact information for them to inquire about where they bought their jars from.
The measurements for the honey jar ring is:
Inside: 1 5/8”. Outter rim: 2 1/4”
The old jars rubber ring are:
Inside: 1 5/8”. Outter rim: 2 1/4”
I do not plan to can with these, but want to store dried food and want a good seal.
If you can direct me to where I can buy some of these rings, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Sharon Sullivan
I purchased on line canning lids from Masoncanlids believing I was getting a legitimate company. I received the lids, which came from China in the most deplorable condition. Every package of lids had been re-taped before sending, appearing that they had been abused in some manner. My question, is this a real company that I can count on? I have been on a search about canning lids and found that your company now owns all of Ball, Kerr, and others and need some advise as how to move forward with canning lids that I am afraid to use.
Rita
9-13-21 Still in search of lids. I’ve been part of a canning family for over 50 years. Last year I got scammed by a Chinese company and cancelled my order as soon as I figured out what was going on. One year later we are still searching for lids. Most folks can because it’s frugal and they like to know what’s in their food. When I find Ball/Kerr lids they are $10+ per box of 12. This is insane. ( I know you can’t control that but it wouldn’t happen if the supply was there.) A year later you can’t still blame the pandemic. Please produce more and keep the price reasonable. Many folks depend on this as their sole food supply. Help us!
Deborah Taylor
I have been a loyal customer of Bernardin and Golden Harvest for 55 years. Opening my box of 250 ml Golden Harvest found 1 jar with a crack/break in it. I preserve over 1,000 jars a year and this is the first casualty I have had – good product. All I’m asking is to replace this jar as every jar counts when you are running a business, please and thank you.
Physical Address: 6528 New Dublin Road, RR2 Addison, Ontario Canada K0E 1A0
Thank you and I await your response.
Virginia G Tallent
when and where can you get regular canning lids in the Madisonville tn area
terri christenson
Fake Ball
lids are the ones made in China. Newell brands manufacture Kerr, Ball, Golden Harvest and Beranrdin lids and jars in the US.
Hazel
Can someone point me in the right direction to purchase wide mouth Ball jars? I am in need of 500 quarts and 500 pints. Thank you in advance. Hazel Hamilton, Murfreesboro, TN.
Andrea Ingram
Walmart and Tractor Supply has the quart and pint-size jars at a reasonable price.
ellen nieminen
Oregon is also suffering from the lack of canning lids and ect. Those purchased from amazon were to say the least counterfeit to say the least, I am hoping that is the case. They are the cheapest, flimsyest lids I have ever seen. Has the canning lids been pirated or have you sold the line to China. They dont even put the correct lids in the boxes. The shelves are bare so what gives? We need to know before the next season begins , please give this your attention, I have canned for over 50yrs with your products and would like to continue.
JoAnn Kugler
Please let us know if jar lids will be available for the 2021 season. My business depends upon canning.
Denise Davison
Monopoly, that’s what we have going on! Stockpiling the jars for next seasons canning is a lame answer to this situation. I see the price increase on the wall!
Sue Yopek
A Chinese company has started advertising as “Ball” such as “Ballofficial” and so on. I got scammed by their product…shipped from China, no branding on the lids which were white on the inside, thin…definitely not a Jarden/Newell brand. They have been adding new url’s daily. I sent an email direct with images and detail, yet didn’t even receive a “gee thanks for letting us know” letter. Having been using your products in my farm and prior for over 45 years…it would be nice to know that the same consideration for your customers was still in place today that there was back then. It seems since the pandemic, Newell (Rubbermaid, Jarden et al) has dropped the ball on answering customer inquiries and concerns. Please make us feel like you still care…
Barb Brewster
Sue Yopek, I also got scammed on these Chinese knockoffs on Amazon sold in ball boxes. I let Amazon and Ball know. Neither of them acknowledged my comments either. Very frustrating! I have been canning 30 years and now cannot find lids or jars locally. I am very frustrated!!
Patrick Bradshaw
Since Newell owns ALL the jar making Companies in North America, why has there been such a shortage of product available for store shelves for the last two years? You wouldn’t be trying to introduce a false Market condition to support raising prices would you? I would prefer to think you would be doing everything possible to assist the homeowners to cut their expenses. Considering the amount of home gardens started this year due to the Pandemic, I would expect you will want to assist all of us by keeping our costs of preserving down. Have you seen Amazons jar prices? They will make you sick.
CliffOnTheRoad
Patrick, Amazon lists items which are totally handled by 3rd parties. Might be the case with jars. When I needed a manual can opener, several were listed at $24.95. Then I found a restaurant supply web site — less than eight dollars. Identical photo. IMO, those sellers accept orders through Amazon THEN they order the product from the actual vendor. Profit while sitting in their at-home office and possibly never actually touching the item. If the real vendor is out of stock, you get an email from the Amazon reseller.
Same situation existed with the N95 masks, I must legally say IMO, during the crisis this year.
As for shortages of jars, one commentor someplace believes the the upswing of home canning by newbies will result in spoilage by next summer. Defective products are but one cause.
Want more trivia? When Rubbermaid closed down and sold everything (2nd hand story that Wal-Mart dictated what they would pay and RM lost money on each item but needed the retail outlet. The equipment was shipped to China. I know not if the brand currently exists.)
ES
Amazon NEVER OFFERS FREE SHIPPING OF ITSELF. Instead, it charges all its vendors to pay for the “free shipping” which causes a rise in prices while Amazon looks like it is giving its customers a good deal. You have to check everything these days and NEVER ASSSUME anything. Especially from established companies who are now giant monopolies. Good luck!
Robert Woodward
Excellent question. I would like to see an answer.
Mrs. Watcher
Hear hear. This is the single most appalling danger of globalist concentration of this sort. One supplier, no competition, no incentive to serve captive customers, nowhere to go when they drop the ball because they were busy listening to their PR companies’ focus groups instead of just producing what frugal, self sufficient Americans have always bought to care for their families as our ancestors did.
Canning jars, lids, and bands have been my go-to example for why this sort of corporate monopoly is terrible–and I’ve been arguing this since the 1990s! Now we get to see it play out in real time. Appalling! Add to that the cheesy quality of the Made In China jars and lids. Disgusting that a long standing, high quality American tradition of self sufficiency should be ruined like this…all because speculation is placed at higher value over producing and building good things well!
And I’ll bet if some good American entrepreneur started a canning lid business, to serve this captive but not-much-cared-about market, Alltrista/Jarden/Newell or whatever they’re calling themselves this week would drive them out of business with lawsuits. Terrible terrible mess, to have speculators, usurers, gamblers, and lawyers in charge of EVERYTHING!
Mark faber
I have been wondering the same thing. These are made in us. WHY ARE THEY STILL MISSING ON THE SHELVES?
Janean Winter
Curious as to why the extreme shortage in canning lids right now. Unable to find in MN or WI. I understand that we’re in a Pandemic but it still makes no sense. There’s not THAT many new gardeners…
Rose W Bradford
can’t get them in Tennessee , on line or in a catalogue.
James Barrett
There seem to be shortages of canning jars and lids in my area, Dayton PA. The Amish community relies on its canned foods for the winter. Is there a way to get more supplies here?
Pam Crimmins
I have a gallon Ball jar I found at a yard sale, unfortunately he does not have a lid! Can I purchase one please? Any help would be appreciated!
Elizabeth Ball Tyra
Can you verify that all jars and lids are made in the United States now. Several lid failures has me concerned. Is quality control slipping or product quality? I can have lids from three years ago and new lids in the same canner I marked my older lids to check if they were good when they came out they sealed and the two of the three new lids failed.
Judy
The lid failure is mostly due to the change in the composition of the sealing product to eliminate possible cancer causing agents . Thus, a new way to prepare the lids for canning. Do not boil your lids! That is a practice that had “assured” successful canning for decades and few of us actually read the directions on the lid box. After 30 years of canning, why would you? Instead, wash them with soapy water and hold them in warm water until ready to can. I lost 15 quarts of peaches before I researched this problem. But, after realizing what the problem really was, I reprocessed the last 60 quarts of peaches with the “new directions” and had no failures, as was the usual for so many years.
Diane L Hall
When I inspected my lids from Golden Harvest, one seems irregular and not sure whether to use it or not. Please advise.
Healthy Canning
Hi Diane. If the lid seems irregular, and you don’t feel comfortable about it, then don’t use it for canning. You can use it for dry storage instead, rather than risking have a jar on the shelf lose its seal and the food in it go bad.
Carol
I am appalled that Ball lids are now manufactured in China with extremely poor quality. In fact, they don’t work at all! Ball’s reputation has always been about good quality. Grandma always said that Ball lids are the best. Not any more. And for this company to have a monopoly on the canning lid market! Sinful!
Stephanie
The new “sure tight” lids are not good. They fail daily. But yet the golden harvest and Jarden do not. Makes no sense if they are made by the same company. Then there is the mini jars. They are sold at Walmart and take different lids called mininlids but the lids are not sold at Walmart. This is just an observation of course.
Gay stephen
I would like to buy canning jars of quality, not made in China they break in the pressure cooker. Do you have an outlet store in Quebec City. Do your jars withstand 10 degrees of pressure for 50 minutes. Quality please.
Healthy Canning
Hi Gay, all jars made and sold by Jarden — Ball, Bernardin, Golden Harvest, and Kerr — are made in America.
I’m going to direct you to Bernardin for your other questions. You can contact them here: https://www.bernardin.ca/en/contact-us.htm
Ann Mathis
I’m trying to find a quart jar wide mouth lid. I want it with a light kit on it. Thank you so much.
Healthy Canning
Not able to picture what you mean Ann…..
Mary
Try: mason jar lifestyle
Langley Joyner
Trying to contact the CEO or President of the Jarden ball lid company for I am having a problem with the consumer affairs division for over two months and I am still not satisfied . Please help. Langley Joyner Concord,N.C. 28028 . 704-782-2385, Thanks
Healthy Canning
This page lists how to contact the board: https://www.jarden.com/for-investors/governance/contact-the-board. Here’s the list of people on the board: https://www.jarden.com/for-investors/governance/board-directors.
Hope that helps.