Howard's pickles have a rich history dating back to the early 1890s. John Howard and his wife Margaret began making pickles and relishes in the barn behind their house in Bradford, Massachusetts2. Their recipes were so successful that they soon received orders from all over the world. In 1900, Howard products were awarded the Grand Prix at the International Exhibition in Paris for their purity and quality2.

The business grew rapidly, and in December 1924, John Howard sold it to Arthur D. Dickson, leading to its incorporation2. In May 1926, Howard Foods merged with the C.E. Chapin Company, which had been founded in 1872 and was known for Mrs. Chapin's Pickles, Relish, and Condiments2. The combined companies were reorganized under the name Howard Foods and operated from a new plant in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Over the years, Howard Foods changed ownership several times and moved to different locations. It was owned by ERE Industries Inc., John Labatt Limited of Canada, and Campbell Soup Company (Canada)2. In 1990, the company was purchased by its current owners, with the sales office moving to Danvers, Massachusetts, and the administrative offices and manufacturing plant relocating to New Hampshire2.

Throughout its history, Howard Foods has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition. The basic relish recipes have never been changed, and some long-time customers claim that the products taste as good now as they did when Mr. Howard himself sold them from a wheelbarrow2. Today, Howard Foods continues to produce a variety of condiments, including their #1 selling Sweet Pepper Relish in America, as well as Hot Pepper Relish, Green Tomato Piccalilli, Ham Glaze, and Garlic and Onion Juices2.