Vlasic

Frank Vlasic moved to America in 1912 to build a better life for his family. Problem was, he made cheese, not pickles, so the success part of the story took a while. After saving every dime from his $2 a day car foundry job, Frank established a creamery business in Detroit. He eventually turned it over to his son, Joe.

Fortunately, Joe expanded the family milk and cheese business into selling Polish pickles spiced with garlic and dill. But, during World War II, his supply of pickles dried up, so Joe started testing a new idea: selling Polish pickles in glass jars. Smart move. Joe couldn’t keep up with demand…and the Vlasic Pickle brand was born!

Joe’s son, Bob, joined the company after the war and became General Manager of the Vlasic operation – which still included the creamery. Its first plant was built in Imlay City, Michigan. Over the next 20 years, Joe and Bob grew Vlasic into America’s number one pickle. Not bad for cheese makers.

They played an important role in shaping American eating habits with their glass-packed pickles. In 1933, per capita pickle consumption was 2.09 pounds. By 1974, consumption grew to 8 pounds! Joe and Bob became so successful at pickles that they dropped milk and cheese entirely. Vlasic Pickles became as American as apple pie.

In 1974, a wisecracking Vlasic Stork flew out of American television screens with the message that crunchy “Vlasic is the best tasting pickle I ever heard!”

Today, Vlasic is owned by Pinnacle Foods, which is committed to the principles of quality, taste, trust, and innovation established by the Vlasic family. The brand includes dozens of varieties of pickles, peppers, and relish in many cuts, flavors and sizes.