planters began as a vision in the mind of a young Italian immigrant named Amedeo Obici. little did he know that the small business he began in 1906 would grow into the world's grandest nut company. We have built our reputation and a powerful brand by offering superior quality and product innovation. American favorite for over 100 years. planters has been an American favorite for over 100 years. Whether you love planters peanuts for their delicious peanut taste or their satisfying crunch, there’s a variety just for you. all about the peanut although its name implies it is a nut, peanuts are not true nuts but, instead, a member of a family of legumes related to peas, lentils, chickpeas and other beans. Peanuts start growing as a flower, but, because of their heavy weight after pollination, they bend toward and eventually go underground where the peanut matures. Although peanuts come in many varieties, there are four main types with specific size, taste and nutrient make-up; they include runners, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia. Runners have become extremely popular because of their high yield. More than half of these peanuts are used for peanut butter.