PEPPERIDGE FARM

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Margaret Rudkin, a Connecticut housewife and mother of three young children, discovers one of her sons has an allergy to commercial breads that contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. So in 1937, she begins experimenting with baking her own preservative-free bread for her ailing son -- ultimately perfecting a delicious whole-wheat loaf that contained only natural ingredients. Encouraged by her family and her son's doctor, she begins a small business out of her kitchen selling her "Pepperidge Farm" bread to local grocers. Named for her family's farm in Fairfield, Connecticut, consumers recognize her homemade bread's quality and buy every loaf she baked. After World War II, and its associated shortages and rationing ended, Margaret Rudkin's plans for expanded bakery production could finally be realized. On July 4, 1947 her dream came true with the opening of the company's first modern bakery in Norwalk, Connecticut. New products such as dinner rolls, stuffing, and oatmeal breads are developed and tested, with Mrs. Rudkin always taking the first bite. Mrs. Rudkin clung tenaciously to her principles of quality -- a tradition that continues today. Pepperidge Farm's first television ad airs with founder Margaret Rudkin as spokesperson. Eventually, the Pepperidge Farm's country gentleman in the horse and wagon replaces her in a successful ad campaign that spans five decades. During a trip to Belgium, Margaret Rudkin discovers delicious and delicate cookies produced by the Delacre Company in Brussels. Pepperidge Farm reaches an agreement with Delacre to produce these elegant cookies in America. In 1955, Pepperidge Farm launches its Distinctive line of European-style cookies with evocative names such as Bordeaux

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