About Us
Founded in 1929, Wilton is a marketer of consumer products and a nationally recognized brand of cake decorating and bakeware products serving over 105 countries. The Wilton story began in 1929 with one man’s passion and talent for making confectionery art. Dewey McKinley Wilton began his career in 1912 as a candymaker, eventually becoming an expert in the field. In the 1920’s he traveled internationally, teaching the great pastry chefs of Europe the art of pulled sugar. They in return, taught him the time-honored traditions of the art of decorating. Over the years Mr. Wilton formulated his own technique, the Wilton Method, combing the best of the past and present European artistry with an American desire for excellence and simplicity. The company continued to evolve under the direction of Dewey McKinley and Norman Wilton and would later include the sale of cake decorating products.
2020s
Wilton is acquired by Dr. Oetker, a German family-run food business specializing in baking products, mixes, decorations and more. Wilton begins their evolution to continue to provide their trusted high quality products to their loyal community.
1920s
Dewey took his experience working at a Chicago candy factory to teach sugar artistry to hotel caterers across the Midwest. 1929 Dewey founded the Wilton School of Cake Decorating, teaching new techniques at a cost of $25 lesson.
1930s
As he traveled and taught around the U.S., Dewey learned German and French traditions of cake decorating using buttercream icing. 1939 Dewey invented The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating, with the philosophy of combining the best of European fine artistry with the traditional American desire for excellence and simplicity.
1940s
1945 WWII VETERANS — including Dewey’s son Norman, returned home missing one key thing —JOBS! Norman and Dewey expanded The Wilton School to teach vets cake decorating skills. 1948 increased attendance resulted in The Wilton School moving to a 6,000 square foot facility in Chicago. More vets enrolled under the GI Bill of Rights.
1950s
The war was over and so was sugar rationing. Buttercream icing became the new decorating medium. 1959 Dewey and Norman launched their first catalog, offering cake decorating tools to the masses for the first time. In 1955-56 McCall’s Magazine published a series of articles by Norman featuring The Wilton Method, solidifying his reputation as a national leader.
1960s
1964 The first Wilton cake topper was developed by Norman Wilton. Cake and Food Decorating Ideas was published. It was later renamed the Yearbook in 1972.
1970s
"Shopping malls” became a permanent fixture in American life. Wilton started demonstrating techniques in kiosks. In 1974, The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating® was developed into an educational program and was taught at retail department stores nationwide.
1980s
CandyMaker product line introduced the popular Candy Melts® candy. In 1985, Senior Decorator Marie Kason developed the 1M tip, which is still the most popular decorating tip.
1990s
The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art™ moved to Darien, IL. Students from all over the world came to learn cake decorating. In 1997, wilton.com launched and brought The Wilton Method® to everyone!
2000s
Production began on Bake Decorate and Celebrate!, an award-winning television show.
2010s
Wilton Decorating Room, Wilton Test Kitchen, and The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art expanded to accommodate demand. 2012 Wilton decorators produced more than 2,500 cake and sweet treat projects.
2020s
Wilton is acquired by Dr. Oetker, a German family-run food business specializing in baking products, mixes, decorations and more. Wilton begins their evolution to continue to provide their trusted high quality products to their loyal community.
1920s
Dewey took his experience working at a Chicago candy factory to teach sugar artistry to hotel caterers across the Midwest. 1929 Dewey founded the Wilton School of Cake Decorating, teaching new techniques at a cost of $25 lesson.
Wilton Today
Wilton is extremely proud of its history and expertise in baking and decorating education. For nearly a century, we’ve enjoyed teaching the joys of cake decorating and confectionary art to thousands of student bakers from around the world. We’ve also had the profound opportunity to listen and learn from our students and dedicated fans along the way.
We have always believed evolving is the best path forward to ensure success for years to come. This is only possible thanks to our strong Wilton community and company.