Monticello Canning Company, INC was founded in 1948 in Monticello, Georgia; an area which was the center of domestic pimiento production. Seventeen pimiento canneries were located within a one-hundred mile area. At present, Monticello Canning is one of only three of the companies still in operation.
The industry was booming in the early 1950's and increased production led to a search for new growing areas. Tennessee became the new frontier for production of high qualitly pimientos and sweet peppers. In 1953, the decision was made to relocate the processing facilites in order to avoid the long haul from Tennessee farms to Middle Georgia. The Cumberland Plateau area of Tennessee proved to be a central location. The town of Crossville was chosen and a local bond issue provided the new facilities. A new plant was ready for processing by July of 1954.
The new plant specialized in the production of Pimientos and Sweet Peppers for retail, food service and industrial ingredient use. These products are supplied under the Betty Ann label as well as private customer labels.
1986 was the year of increased emphasis on production of foodservice and industrial use items. A renovated and enlarged processing area enabled the company to double output for # 10 size Sweet Peppers and cooling operations resulting in an improved, higher quality product.
After forty plus years in business, we continue to specialize in Pimientos and Sweet Peppers. Future plans are to expand in these areas, as well as in the production of Dry Land Cress, Spinach, Black Beans and Green Beans. We value our customers and pledge to keep abreast of any changes in marketplace or technology which may improve our ability to be of service.
Earl Dean, President.......................Processing, Sales Warren Dean, Vice-President.........Purchasing, Processing Alton Tabor, Treasurer....................Warehouse, Traffic, Sales Greg Barnwell, General Manager....Sales, Traffic, Bookkeeping Kevin Dean, Qualtity Control...........Laboratory Testing, Computers Dorothy Pelfrey...............................Secretary, Receptionist Deanna Hess.................................Secretary