![]() John Barnhill worked in the Brenham plant for the Kruse brothers and also painted the Blue Bell advertising slogans on drugstore windows where their products were sold. In addition to the Kruses, another Brenham, Texas native joined the company at a young age. In 1958 Blue Bell ceased production of butter and focused solely on the production and sale of ice cream. In 1956 Howard was promoted to assistant manager of the company, though he also supervised the plant. He quickly immersed himself in the details and nuances of making quality ice cream. Howard Kruse returned to Blue Bell in 1954 as plant supervisor. Kruse died and Ed Kruse was selected to take his place, becoming manager of Blue Bell at 23 years of age. After a short time in another food company, Ed Kruse rejoined Blue Bell at the request of his father, becoming a salesman in 1951. Both proceeded to major in dairy science at Texas A & M University and returned to the company as managers. The two made ice cream sandwiches and frozen snacks on a stick and prepared fresh peaches for mixing into an ice cream base. Kruse brought his sons, Edward and Howard, into the company when they were 13 and 11 years old, respectively. Though Blue Bell is not owned by the Kruse family, it has been operated like a family business. In 1936 Blue Bell acquired a refrigerated truck, allowing the company to distribute fresh ice cream longer distances, as well as a continuous freezer, which increased production capacity. ![]() The name was taken from the bluebell, a native Texan wildflower that proliferates in the hot Texas summers -high season for enjoying ice cream. In 1930 Kruse changed the name of the company to Blue Bell Creamery. The company purchased its first motorized vehicle, allowing the company to expand its delivery radius and its business. Under Kruse ’s conservative management the Brenham Creamery thrived. Bankruptcy loomed at that time and Kruse left his first paychecks uncashed to ensure the solvency of the company. Kruse was hired as manager of the creamery in 1919. Though most people made their own ice cream at the time, the creamery ’s ice cream became popular through word of mouth.įinancial difficulties at the company began in 1916 and continued until E.F. Along with butter, a horse and wagon allowed delivery of the ice cream to the area around the creamery. All of the major ingredients -milk, cream, eggs, and fresh fruit -were purchased from local farmers and producers. The company produced only butter until 1911 when the creamery began to hand-crank two gallons of ice cream each day in an ice cream maker set in a wooden tub filled with ice. Rural Beginnings: Early 20th Centuryīlue Bell Creameries originated in 1907 as Brenham Creamery Company, founded in Brenham, Texas, 70 miles northwest of Houston. Despite the limited distribution area, Blue Bell represents the third most popular branded ice cream in the United States and produces approximately 100,000 gallons of ice cream each day. Based in Brenham, Texas, Blue Bell distributes its products in 12 south central and southeastern states. Blue Bell prides itself on fresh, quality ingredients and the care that is put into the process of making ice cream. Homemade Vanilla is the company ’s best-selling ice cream, as well as the bestselling ice cream in most of the company ’s distribution areas. Blue Bell products include frozen yogurt, sherbet, and more than 70 varieties of ice cream snacks, such as Mooo Bars and Country Cones. ![]() produces a line of premium ice cream available in 45 flavors, including year round and seasonal flavors. Private Company Incorporated: 1907 as Brenham Creamery Company Employees: 2,300 Sales: $225 million (1997 est.) NAIC: 42243 Dairy Products Wholesalers 311520 Ice Cream Manufacturingīlue Bell Creameries L.P.
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