1939
Dietz & Watson is founded by Gottlieb Dietz. His goal is to prepare the highest quality meat delicacies, using only premium cuts of meats and the finest spices in the European tradition.

1975
Dietz & Watson relocates to its present Philadelphia location, committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities for the safe preparation and handling of premium deli meats. Since 1975 these facilities have been continually expanded and upgraded to maintain our demanding, uncompromising wholesomeness standards set by Gottlieb Dietz.

1979
Dietz & Watson introduces its Gourmet Lite No-Salt Turkey Breast and Gourmet Lite Less Sodium Low Fat Ham. This occurs during a time of growing concern by health professionals about high levels of salt and fat in American diets. Consumers immediately respond favorably to the traditional goodness and quality of these premium delicacies. Dietz & Watson thus proving that “Eating Healthy is Delicious Eating”!

1985
Because of continued consumer acceptance, Dietz & Watson introduces more varieties to the Gourmet Lite line including Low Salt Salami, Low Salt Bologna and the award winning Gourmet Lite Beef and Meat Franks.

1987
Dietz & Watson pioneers hand trimmed, minimally processed premium roast beef varieties that contain less fat and sodium than others in the industry. The delicious taste and texture of this all-natural approach to premium roast beef gains wide consumer appeal. Dietz & Watson Roast Beef varieties become the Benchmark in the industry.

1990
Dietz & Watson offers its consumers a 100% money back guarantee. This underscores the company’s commitment to preparing the tastiest premium meat delicacies in the industry, while ensuring the utmost purity and wholesomeness.

1996
Dietz & Watson establishes its “Dedicated To Your Healthier Lifestyle®” program and its “Healthier Lifestyle” seal. This program is provided for consumers after years of dedication to preparing healthier alternatives to traditional deli meats that exceed USDA, FDA and heart association standards for healthier eating, The “Healthier Lifestyle” seal is put on more than 50 Dietz & Watson premium meat delicacies as a consumer guide and assurance that “Healthy Eating can be Tasty Eating”.

1998
Dietz & Watson establishes its Puratherm™ Food Safety System, which incorporates the first in-plant safety and testing procedures – prior to the establishment of any formal government or industry standards. The company also continues its commitment to preparing its premium meat delicacies scientifically safe through extensive employee training and facility sanitation. The Dietz & Watson Puratherm ™ Food Safety System includes the use of independent sanitation and clean-up specialists along with comprehensive food testing throughout its facilities.

1999
Increased consumer demand for Dietz & Watson’s minimally processed Turkey Breast and Chicken Breast varieties becomes so great that this operation is moved to Baltimore with the construction of our state-of-the-art poultry facilities. This move enables efficient, hands-on small batch preparation, incorporating a state-of-the-art processing and handling environment for our Turkey Breast and Chicken Breast recipes.

2003
Dietz & Watson expands its Puratherm™ Food Safety System to incorporate patented “new technology” purifying equipment to quickly expose finished items to high thermal temperatures at the time of packaging. This assures both purity and wholesomeness, without compromising the taste or texture of our premium meat delicacies.

2004
To complement the deli meat business and create an expanded presence in the marketplace, Dietz & Watson acquires a cheese facility in upstate NY and can now offer a collection of Artisan Cheeses with the steadfast dedication to “Quality Above All Else” that has fostered phenomenal growth in their meat categories. Dietz & Watson presents a collection of Genuine NY State Cheddar Cheese, Classic North American Cheeses and Classic European Cheeses fresh sliced at the deli, pre-sliced for convenience in the refrigerated case, or cut and wrapped in the cheese island.

2005
The categories offered by Dietz & Watson continue to grow with the introduction of Deli Complements™, a collection of Gourmet Mustards, Marinades, Horseradishes and Sour Pickle Varieties. The World’s Best Deli Meats and Artisan Cheeses can now be enjoyed with the finest complements.