Bruce Foods
Encyclopedia
Bruce Foods Corporation, founded in New Iberia, Louisiana
, in 1928, is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." With four stateside
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees.
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process.
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures.
races at Michigan International Speedway
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor."
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
.
Bruce Foods Corporation, founded in New Iberia, Louisiana
, in 1928,Louisiana The Perfect Hot Sauce is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates JobsFried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition With four stateside
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs Nola.com, 7 June 2008, Food producers, stores, consumers all feeling pinched
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. Hammond Star, 29 October 2009, Do as I say According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures. 26 July 2009 Bruce Foods Says Competitor Getting Preferential Treatment Potato Pro, 28 August 2009, Louisiana Budget Committee awards $37 million for Conagra Foods Lamb Weston sweet potato plant
races at Michigan International Speedway
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor." New York Times, 18 March 1998, The Heat is On
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."Tulsa TeamFanShop
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
.
Bruce Foods Corporation, founded in New Iberia, Louisiana
, in 1928,Louisiana The Perfect Hot Sauce is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates JobsFried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition With four stateside
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs Nola.com, 7 June 2008, Food producers, stores, consumers all feeling pinched
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. Hammond Star, 29 October 2009, Do as I say According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures. 26 July 2009 Bruce Foods Says Competitor Getting Preferential Treatment Potato Pro, 28 August 2009, Louisiana Budget Committee awards $37 million for Conagra Foods Lamb Weston sweet potato plant
races at Michigan International Speedway
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor." New York Times, 18 March 1998, The Heat is On
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."Tulsa TeamFanShop
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
. Progressive Grocer Kroger, Food Marketers to Seek Gold at 50th Daytona 500
Business America singled out Bruce for having been instrumental in expanding trade with Russia, helping sponsor the first Soviet-American Chef Exchange.Business America, 4 June 1990 Honor roll of U.S. exporters
New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia is a city in and the parish seat of Iberia Parish, Louisiana, United States, 30 miles southeast of Lafayette. In 1900, 6,815 people lived in New Iberia; in 1910, 7,499; and in 1940, 13,747...
, in 1928, is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." With four stateside
Stateside
Stateside may refer to:* stateside, a slang term for the United States, usually used concerning an American currently outside the country, particularly in a military context* Stateside Records, the British record label...
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees.
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.
Renewable energy practices
As part of its "Green Initiative", the company recently updated an 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²) building in Wilson, North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process.
Preferential treatment contested
In 2009, Bruce Foods contested the decision by the Louisiana state budge panel to award ConAgra Foods, Inc., with a multi-million dollar contract to construct a sweet potato facility. On the "Moon Griffon" (LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures.
Cajun Injector lawsuit
Cajun Injector founder Chef Maurice “Reece’’ Williams sued Bruce Foods to the tune of $24 million in 2005, claiming that the company had not done due diligence promoting the product, as agreed upon when Williams sold his line of injectable marinades to Bruce. According to a jury, Williams was unable to prove that he had been "fraudulently induced to sell the line of marinades", and instead ruled that Cajun Injector had breached the purchase agreement by not providing Bruce with the marinade recipes. The jury also awarded Bruce $224,000 in damages for debts incurred by Cajun Injector before the sale of purchase. Williams, however, was not held personally liable for any of the damages, which totaled $1.1 million.Sponsorship
In the past, the company has sponsored "bull riding events" and NASCARNASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
races at Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway is a two-mile moderate-banked D-shaped superspeedway located off U.S. Highway 12 on more than in Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. The track is used primarily for NASCAR events. It is sometimes known as a "sister track" to Texas...
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor."
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a -long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule....
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
Kroger
The Kroger Co. is an American supermarket chain founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It reported US$ 76.7 billion in sales during fiscal year 2009. It is the country's largest grocery store chain and its second-largest grocery retailer by volume and second-place general retailer...
.
Bruce Foods Corporation, founded in New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia is a city in and the parish seat of Iberia Parish, Louisiana, United States, 30 miles southeast of Lafayette. In 1900, 6,815 people lived in New Iberia; in 1910, 7,499; and in 1940, 13,747...
, in 1928,Louisiana The Perfect Hot Sauce is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates JobsFried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition With four stateside
Stateside
Stateside may refer to:* stateside, a slang term for the United States, usually used concerning an American currently outside the country, particularly in a military context* Stateside Records, the British record label...
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition
Renewable energy practices
As part of its "Green Initiative", the company recently updated an 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²) building in Wilson, North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs Nola.com, 7 June 2008, Food producers, stores, consumers all feeling pinched
Preferential treatment contested
In 2009, Bruce Foods contested the decision by the Louisiana state budge panel to award ConAgra Foods, Inc., with a multi-million dollar contract to construct a sweet potato facility. On the "Moon Griffon" (LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. Hammond Star, 29 October 2009, Do as I say According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures. 26 July 2009 Bruce Foods Says Competitor Getting Preferential Treatment Potato Pro, 28 August 2009, Louisiana Budget Committee awards $37 million for Conagra Foods Lamb Weston sweet potato plant
Cajun Injector lawsuit
Cajun Injector founder Chef Maurice “Reece’’ Williams sued Bruce Foods to the tune of $24 million in 2005, claiming that the company had not done due diligence promoting the product, as agreed upon when Williams sold his line of injectable marinades to Bruce. According to a jury, Williams was unable to prove that he had been "fraudulently induced to sell the line of marinades", and instead ruled that Cajun Injector had breached the purchase agreement by not providing Bruce with the marinade recipes. The jury also awarded Bruce $224,000 in damages for debts incurred by Cajun Injector before the sale of purchase. Williams, however, was not held personally liable for any of the damages, which totaled $1.1 million.Food Manufacturing, 11 August 2009, Ruling For Bruce Foods Over Cajun Injector Upheld The Advocate, 17 June 2009, Ex-owner not liable in Cajun Injector suitSponsorship
In the past, the company has sponsored "bull riding events" and NASCARNASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
races at Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway is a two-mile moderate-banked D-shaped superspeedway located off U.S. Highway 12 on more than in Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. The track is used primarily for NASCAR events. It is sometimes known as a "sister track" to Texas...
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor." New York Times, 18 March 1998, The Heat is On
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."Tulsa TeamFanShop
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a -long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule....
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
Kroger
The Kroger Co. is an American supermarket chain founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It reported US$ 76.7 billion in sales during fiscal year 2009. It is the country's largest grocery store chain and its second-largest grocery retailer by volume and second-place general retailer...
.
Bruce Foods Corporation, founded in New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia, Louisiana
New Iberia is a city in and the parish seat of Iberia Parish, Louisiana, United States, 30 miles southeast of Lafayette. In 1900, 6,815 people lived in New Iberia; in 1910, 7,499; and in 1940, 13,747...
, in 1928,Louisiana The Perfect Hot Sauce is one of "America's largest privately-owned food manufacturers," manufacturing over 550 food products under nine major labels, and is credited with "pioneering the canning of Mexican food." PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates JobsFried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition With four stateside
Stateside
Stateside may refer to:* stateside, a slang term for the United States, usually used concerning an American currently outside the country, particularly in a military context* Stateside Records, the British record label...
manufacturing plants, the company has more than 1,200 employees. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs
Among its numerous brands, Bruce manufactures Cajun injector marinades, Casa Fiesta Mexican Foods, Louisiana Gold Pepper Sauce, Mexene Chili Products, "The Original" Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, Cajun King, Bruce's Yams and Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake, Muffin & Biscuit Mixes.Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving is Becoming a Tradition
Renewable energy practices
As part of its "Green Initiative", the company recently updated an 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²) building in Wilson, North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, with a renewable energy system designed to "recover" methane gas, a normal waste by-product that had, until now, been released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas assists with the plant's energy needs; additionally, the plant's water treatment system has accrued a 6 million USgals (22,712.5 m³) gas digester which is meant to ensure a more efficient water treatment process. PR News Wire, 20 July 2009, One of America's Largest Privately-Owned Food Manufacturers, Bruce Foods, Brings Renewable Energy to North Carolina and Creates Jobs Nola.com, 7 June 2008, Food producers, stores, consumers all feeling pinched
Preferential treatment contested
In 2009, Bruce Foods contested the decision by the Louisiana state budge panel to award ConAgra Foods, Inc., with a multi-million dollar contract to construct a sweet potato facility. On the "Moon Griffon" (LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
) radio show, Bruce President Si Brown charged that the state's economic development office, headed by Stephen Moret, had unnecessarily underwritten the out-of-state competitor with tax dollars. Brown asserted that his company could have built the plant in question for $1 million, whereas ConAgra was granted a $37 million contract. Hammond Star, 29 October 2009, Do as I say According to Moret, since Bruce Foods has been unwilling to open up their ledgers, they are automatically disqualified from receiving state economic loans. Brown countered that since Bruce is a privately held company, they are not required to file financial disclosures. 26 July 2009 Bruce Foods Says Competitor Getting Preferential Treatment Potato Pro, 28 August 2009, Louisiana Budget Committee awards $37 million for Conagra Foods Lamb Weston sweet potato plant
Cajun Injector lawsuit
Cajun Injector founder Chef Maurice “Reece’’ Williams sued Bruce Foods to the tune of $24 million in 2005, claiming that the company had not done due diligence promoting the product, as agreed upon when Williams sold his line of injectable marinades to Bruce. According to a jury, Williams was unable to prove that he had been "fraudulently induced to sell the line of marinades", and instead ruled that Cajun Injector had breached the purchase agreement by not providing Bruce with the marinade recipes. The jury also awarded Bruce $224,000 in damages for debts incurred by Cajun Injector before the sale of purchase. Williams, however, was not held personally liable for any of the damages, which totaled $1.1 million.Food Manufacturing, 11 August 2009, Ruling For Bruce Foods Over Cajun Injector Upheld The Advocate, 17 June 2009, Ex-owner not liable in Cajun Injector suitSponsorship
In the past, the company has sponsored "bull riding events" and NASCARNASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
races at Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway is a two-mile moderate-banked D-shaped superspeedway located off U.S. Highway 12 on more than in Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. The track is used primarily for NASCAR events. It is sometimes known as a "sister track" to Texas...
. Bruce Foods Corp. President Si Brown commented on this decision by telling the New York Times, "The real consumers who keep hot sauce factories running are from the inner city and blue collar and young people who have grown up with it. There's still a lot of growth potential, because young people like spicy food. And more and more cheap food is being sold which needs hot sauce for flavor." New York Times, 18 March 1998, The Heat is On
In its more recent history, Bruce Foods' label, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
, has partnered with Football Fanatics, an online retailer, "to create a football 'Tailgating' theme as a consumer driven promotion."Tulsa TeamFanShop
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500
Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a -long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule....
, Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Louisiana "The Original" Hot Sauce has been mass produced by Bruce Foods Corporation for over 80 years. As a cayenne pepper based hot sauce, it is similar to other mass produced brands such as Crystal Hot Sauce, Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It is usually packaged in 6 oz. shaker bottles, and...
was one of many products to be stamped with a commemorative "50th race logo" at the Midwestern grocery chain Kroger
Kroger
The Kroger Co. is an American supermarket chain founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It reported US$ 76.7 billion in sales during fiscal year 2009. It is the country's largest grocery store chain and its second-largest grocery retailer by volume and second-place general retailer...
. Progressive Grocer Kroger, Food Marketers to Seek Gold at 50th Daytona 500
Awards
In 1987, the Bruce Foods received Business America's "E" award for "excellence in exporting", an award given to companies that "have a long-term record of exporting or providing export service." Three years later, the company received Business America's "E Star" award.Business America, 4 June 1990 Honor roll of U.S. exportersBusiness America singled out Bruce for having been instrumental in expanding trade with Russia, helping sponsor the first Soviet-American Chef Exchange.Business America, 4 June 1990 Honor roll of U.S. exporters
Competitors
- Allen Canning
- B&G Foods
- McCormick & CompanyMcCormick & CompanyMcCormick & Company manufactures spices, herbs, and flavorings for retail, commercial, and industrial markets. The company began in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. One hundred years later, McCormick moved from downtown Baltimore to the suburb of Hunt Valley, Maryland. McCormick has...
- McIlhenny
- ConAgra Foods, Inc.
External links
- Si Brown comments on ROI in El Paso manufacturing market
- La. Looks to tap Russian market Brown comments on trade relations with Russia
- Hoover's Profile Bruce Foods Corporation
- Bruce Foods company website