In Homer Alaska, Mr. and Mrs. Heath open a store

Hazel's original Homer, Alaska store in the 1940s

In 1946, the mayor of Homer, Hazel Heath, and her husband Kenneth began making jams and jellies from native Alaskan berries in home-style cooking facilities. They continued producing and selling their jams until 1973 when the company was purchased by Harry and Betty Brundage. It again changed hands when Peter Eden purchased the company in 1975 — and he continues to run it today.

Home-style canning

Expanded Homer store in the 1970s

"This business has only had three owners," Peter told the Homer News in 1985, "and each one put their heart and soul into it." Now, over 20 years later, it's still been just those three owners and Peter continues to have the same commitment to Alaska, great flavors, and plain dealing.

In 1989 Peter introduced chocolate-covered candies enhanced by the unique flavors of Alaskan wild berries. These new candies, filled with a taste born in the wilderness of America's last frontier, were an instant hit with locals, tourists, and friends of Alaskans all over the world.

Expanding to Anchorage in 1994

In 1994 Peter opened the doors of his new store and factory off Old Seward Highway near the international airport. When walking through the front door, the first thing visitors see is an incredible 20 foot chocolate fall containing thousands of pounds of melted chocolate. The huge store contains windows into the candy kitchens so you can watch the delicious products being made by hand.

The main Anchorage store and Wild Berry Park today

Alaska Wild Berry Products quickly became the largest candy manufacturer in the state of Alaska, and the only one shipping Alaskan candies Outside, as Alaskans call any location not in Alaska. The demand has become so great that we have decided to share our unique product with the rest of the world.

Building the Wild Berry Park and Theater

The Park's 20-foot Inukshuk statue

Since the turn of the century, Peter has continued to build and build some more — better products, world-wide distribution, partnerships with other Alaskan businesses, and most importantly the Wild Berry Park and Theater. The park with its walking path, reindeer petting zoo, snack shops, and replica old time village is a great place to unwind with the kids after browsing the store.

And with the addition of the Wild Berry Theater in 2006 the Park is becoming a night-time destination as well. Concerts, movies, and special events of all sorts are turning this Alaskan jelly and candy icon into a year-round destination for Anchorage locals as well as for tourists!