History
Our Story: 100 Years In The Making
For over a century, Tulkoff has grown from a small family business into a trusted name in flavor. Explore some of the key milestones that have shaped our journey and defined who we are today.
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Harry and Lena Tulkoff began their entrepreneurial journey in New York, operating a grocery and dairy store. After early success, Harry sold the business and travels to Baltimore in search of a new opportunity.
Recognizing the potential of a less competitive market, he secured a storefront on East Lombard Street, laying the foundation for what would become Tulkoff.
Operating out of 1103 East Lombard Street, the Tulkoffs ran multiple ventures, from produce and confections to ice cream distribution.
Their entrepreneurial spirit drove rapid growth, even through the challenges of the Great Depression, with a network of vendors selling products across the city.
A chance opportunity to purchase horseradish roots sparked a turning point. Harry began preparing horseradish by hand at home, creating a product that quickly gained local demand.
As interest grew, Tulkoff transitioned from selling raw ingredients to producing finished goods, marking the true beginning of Tulkoff Horseradish Products.
In the early 1940s, the company formally adopted the name Tulkoff Horseradish Products Co., expanding its lineup to include horseradish, relishes, mustards, sauces, and specialty items like gefilte fish. Improved infrastructure and growing retail networks in the 1950s helped extend distribution beyond Baltimore, establishing Tulkoff as a recognized brand in retail and foodservice nationwide.
In the early 1960s, growing customer demand led Tulkoff to introduce bulk packaging and larger formats designed for restaurant operations, strengthening its role as a foodservice partner. This focus set the stage for 1968, when Tiger Sauce was introduced- a mild blend of horseradish and mayonnaise, named in honor of Sol Tulkoff’s World War II military service and destined to become one of the company’s most iconic products.
During the 1970s, growing production demands increasingly strained the Lombard Street facility. Tulkoff expanded into adjacent properties, adding production space, in-house printing and labeling, and improved storage. This growth culminated in 1979, when the company acquired a 21-acre facility in Canton at Conkling and O’Donnell Streets, marking a defining step forward in capacity and operations.
In the early 1980s, Tulkoff moved into the new facility, expanding operations to more than 55,000 sq ft and consolidating production under one roof, which enabled broader product expansion. By the late 1980s, as foodservice distribution evolved, the company adapted to industry changes by shifting to plastic packaging and focusing on scalable, high‑demand products.
The late 1980s marked the passing of the founding generation, leaving a strong foundation for future leadership. Sandy Smiley became President and Martin Tulkoff became Chairman.
In the early 1990s, the company expanded beyond horseradish into pesto, bruschetta, shallots, garlic-based products, and specialty sauces. This momentum continued in 1997, when Tulkoff opened a second facility in Northern California, supporting national expansion.
Phil (right) and Alec (left) Tulkoff, third-generation members of the Tulkoff family and grandchildren of founders Harry and Lena, assumed leadership roles, ushering in a new era of modernization for the company.
Construction began on a new headquarters in the Fort Holabird Industrial Park, adding more than 80,000 sq ft of centralized, high-capacity, food-safe production and storage.
Tulkoff closed its California facility and opened a significantly larger operation in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Graham Partners, a private investment firm targeting advanced manufacturing, acquired Tulkoff, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both companies.
Tulkoff completes its first acquisition with Greystar Products, Inc., marking a major milestone in the company’s growth journey. Through this partnership, Greystar licenses products for well-known brands, including Panda Express® and Tapatio®.
In March 2026, Tulkoff acquired Celtrade Canada, expanding its capabilities and strengthening its presence in the North American market.
Spanning generations, Tulkoff continues to grow while remaining rooted in the same values of hard work, customer-driven innovation, and commitment to quality.
A Legacy of Flavor and Innovation
Our history shapes everything we do. Connect with us to see how Tulkoff can support your next chapter.
