Swanson Premium is a brand of food, household, and health products that is marketed primarily to women. The company is known for its quality and variety of these products. The company began in 1892 when John A. Swanson sold dry goods to farmers in the western United States, but it has since expanded into a multi-billion-dollar global company with headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company was founded by John A. Swanson in 1892 when he sold dry goods to farmers in the western United States. Swansons sold their first canned ham in 1899 after the company's founder convinced local pigs that they would be more profitable than pork on the hoof. Swansons was originally based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it remains today. Swanson's history includes many milestones including the invention of the first canned ham in 1899, which was followed by the introduction of canned salmon in 1901 and canned chicken in 1905. The company expanded into packaged ramen noodles in 1956 which became its biggest product at the time. Swanson expanded into international markets during this era with distribution networks in Japan and Hong Kong. By 1965, Swanson had become a $25 million company. Around this time, Swanson reached $300 million in sales and by 1976, it had reached $500 million in sales. In 1977, Swanson introduced its first major product-making venture with infant formula. In 1985, after the introduction of infant formula, Swanson expanded into non-food products such as paper products and cosmetics. In 1988, Swanson became a public company via an initial public offering (IPO). In 1989, Swanson introduced its signature line of "Swanson broth." The brand was re-introduced to consumers a year later with a television advertising campaign that focused on a woman's desire to be healthy and well-groomed while also being able to take care of her family and herself. In 1995, Swanson expanded into nutrition bars when it introduced its "Swanson Bars" line of products. In 1998, Swansons introduced echinacea extract after research showed that echinacea inhibits colds and flu when taken regularly over a long period of time. In 2002, Swanson launched a website called www.swansonfamilyfitness.com which provides information about how to lead a healthy lifestyle while being active and fit.