With a new investor and partner, Blue Bell Creameries is now one step closer to filling shelves in supermarkets across the south.
Blue Bell announced on July 14, 2015 that a prominent Texas business investor had joined the company.
“We are pleased Sid Bass has made a significant investment with our company. The additional capital will ensure the successful return of our ice cream to the market and our loyal customers,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and President.
Sid Richardson Bass graduated from Yale University and Stanford Graduate School of Business before joining the family business founded by his great-uncle, Sid Richardson, and his father, Perry Richardson Bass. Mr. Bass is active in the family oil and gas and carbon black businesses. He has managed long-term investments and worked closely with management teams throughout his career, notably The Walt Disney Company.
“We are excited to be a part of the Blue Bell brand and family” commented Bass. “Blue Bell is the quality leader in the ice cream industry. We believe quality is the principle attribute that ensures the success, growth and longevity of a business.”
The announcement comes just one week after the ice cream maker announced plans to start a small-scale run of their factory in Alabama.
“We have been working diligently to prepare our facilities to resume test production, and our focus throughout this process has been to ensure the public that when our products return to market, they are safe,” said Greg Bridges, vice president of operations for Blue Bell. “We are very excited about taking these important first steps as part of the process of getting high-quality Blue Bell products back to consumers.”
The test run “seeks to confirm that new procedures, facility enhancements and employee training have been effective. Ice cream produced will be closely monitored and tested. Upon completion of this trial period, Blue Bell will begin building inventory to return to the market.”
Until then, we in Texas will await their return, spoons and bowls in hand.
Our employees are working hard to bring Blue Bell back. Here’s their message for you:
Posted by Blue Bell Ice Cream on Friday, April 24, 2015
