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Baldwin-Richardson Foods
Baldwin-Richardson Foods
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Baldwin-Richardson Foods (BRF) is a leading custom ingredients manufacturer for the food and beverage industry.
Founded and headquartered in Chicago in 1921, Baldwin Ice Cream was a longstanding household name in the Chicagoland area with a strong consumer base. It was also one of the largest African American-owned food companies in the US.
Eric Johnson, a second-generation entrepreneur, purchased the company in 1992 leading to significant growth in distribution and sales.
In 1997 Baldwin Ice Cream Company purchased Richardson Foods, creating Baldwin Richardson Foods (BRF). At the time, Richardson Foods was well known for its retail brands such as Nance’s Mustards & Condiments, Mrs. Richardson’s Toppings and Richardson Root Beer.
Initially a retail business selling directly to consumers, the combined company evolved into a full-service retail and food service ingredient company with strong relationships with some of America’s favorite quick-service restaurants and casual dining chains.
In 2001 BRF entered the industrial marketplace when it began supplying ingredients to food manufacturers. Later, with the acquisition of the Industrial Products Division of The J.M. Smucker Company, the company greatly expanded its presence in this market.
Over the past 20 years BRF has grown significantly in size, sophistication and capability.
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This profile is part of our Best Family-Owned Businesses for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |
