Planters's an American snack food company, a division of Kraft Foods, best known for its processed nuts and for the Mr. Peanut icon that symbolizes them. Started by Italian immigrants Amedeo Obici and Mario Peruzzi in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1906, it was incorporated in 1908 as the Planter Nut & Chocolate Co.. In 2006, Planters celebrated its 100th anniversary. Advertising According to the Planters web site, Mr. Peanut was created by first grader Antonio Gentile for a 1916 contest to de… (More on Planters)