Our History

Herbert P. Eakin founded Modesto Tobacco Company in 1921.  Located at the time on H Street in downtown Modesto, the family-owned and operated business distributed tobacco products to local businesses as well as the Central Valley. 

In 1932, William, Herbert’s son, took over the business and renamed the company Modesto Tobacco and Candy after introducing candy into our product line. 

During his fifty four years of owning and operating, William remained active in the local community even as Modesto Tobacco and Candy flourished and expanded, resulting in the company moving four times.  

Then in 1986, the business was purchased by Tom Eakin.  Tom, William’s son and grandson to Herbert, renamed the company MTC Distributing.  MTC, after all, had moved beyond just tobacco and candy; to grocery items, health and beauty aids, automobile supplies, as well as convenience store equipment, we had grown with our customers to reflect the modern needs of our community.

After a hundred years here in Modesto, we are looking forward to beginning a new chapter staying true to what made us one of the largest independent distributors west of the Mississippi.  Remaining open to innovation, keeping our prices and products competitive, and putting our customers’ satisfaction first.