218 Spreckels Based in California, Claus Spreckels began contracting with growers for beets and the Spreckels Sugar Company was incorporated on August 6, 1896. The first Sales Department was organized in 1931. This was also the beginning of consumer size packaging. Spreckels’ first label was Honey Dew and marketed only in California. At the turn of the century, the so-called “blight” (Curly Top Virus) was beginning to show its presence in Western United States sugar beet growing areas, and California was no exception. That one disease was responsible for the closure of many plants across the United States and in California. This is also what brought about the creation of Agriculture Research Departments and seed development among the various sugar companies. Until this time, all seed was purchased from European sources, where Curly Top did not exist. The Europeans varieties were, therefore, highly susceptible. CHAPTER 14