Rich Products

Rich's began in 1945, when Robert E. Rich, Sr., sought a replacement for dairy-based whip cream due to milk shortages during World War II.[2] Through the use of soybeans, Rich created a cream that was less expensive than dairy-based whipped cream, yet lasted longer in the refrigerator and could "remain frozen for more than a year without degrading."[11]

In 1954, the company introduced the first commercial line of frozen éclairs and crème puffs, which are still produced today.[12]

During the 1960s, Rich's expanded further, introducing CoffeeRich, a non-dairy frozen creamer in 1961.[12] The company also constructed a manufacturing plant in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada the following year. This facility is now known as Rich Products of Canada, Ltd. The acquisition of Elm Tree Baking Co., in 1969, expanded Rich's offerings to include frozen baked goods.[13]

The 1970s were also a decade of growth for Rich's, with the acquisition of nine new production facilities as well as SeaPak, a company based in St. Simons, Georgia, that produces frozen seafood specialties. In 1973, they bought the rights to renamed the Buffalo Bills stadium to Rich Stadium for $60,000 each year for 25 years ($1.5 million total).[13][14]

In 1980, Rich's introduced Freeze-Flo, a process that allows foods to remain soft while frozen. The company introduced another product, On Top, a non-dairy dessert topping, in 1986, which was notable for its packaging – a pastry bag with its own tip. Rich's also expanded its product line through the acquisition of Casa Di Bertacchi, a specialty meat and frozen pasta producer, in 1982, and Byron's, a barbecue and meat producer, in 1986.[13]

During the 1990s, Rich's expanded internationally, opening facilities in Mexico, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Australia, among others.[15]

In 1997 the company was described as a "20-plant, $1 billion global food-processing corporation."[16]

Since 2000, Rich's has acquired a number of companies to diversify its offerings. These include frozen dessert and bakery mix producer JW Allen & Co.,[17] Jon Donaire Desserts,[18] and donut producer Rolling Pin Manufacturing.[19] Rich's integration of French Meadow Bakery and acquisition of World Catch LLC (all-natural seafood)[20] and GLP Manufacturing (gluten-free baked goods)[21] entered the company into the health and wellness food sector.[13]

In 2005, the company celebrated 60 years as a family-owned company with the "60 Delicious Years" worldwide birthday party on March 14. As part of the celebration, Rich's renovated lunch and break rooms at all of its manufacturing sites and launched an employee recognition program.[22]

With over 2,000 products sold in "more than 85 countries,"[1] 2005 sales, worldwide, was $2.5 billion.

On August 23, 2013, Rich's celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Fort Erie, Ontario plant.[23]

On June 24, 2014, Rich's unveiled its new Innovation Center and Atrium @ Rich's.[24] On 1 January, 2020, Richard Ferranti became Rich Product's new CEO.[25]

in January 2020, Rich's announced the acquisition of two manufacturing plants from TreeHouse Foods, followed by announcing two other acquisitions in February; Rizzuto Foods, a manufacturer of pizza products, and Morey's Seafood International, a Minnesota-based seafood processing and distribution company.[26][27]

CoffeeRich[30][16][31] is one of the company's few exceptions; nearly all of its products are "sold not under the Rich brand name."[1][32]

The dairy industry fought Rich's nondairy products,[1][33][34] as it did over a century ago against margarine. As with the margarine battle, the fight was state by state,[35][36] Some of the company's early-day advertising used the term "coffee whitener" rather than non-dairy.[37] [38]

Rich Products was sued in 36 states, the founder's older son Robert E. Rich Jr. said.[39] Eventually, his father's "court victories played an important role in legitimizing nondairy products."[1]