Margaret Rudkin

American businesswoman and founder of Pepperidge Farm

Margaret Rudkin (September 14, 1897 – June 1, 1967) was an American businesswoman and the founder of Pepperidge Farm, a producer of baked goods. She was a pioneering entrepreneur who turned a small home bakery into a major national brand.

Early Life

Margaret Fogarty was born in Manhattan, New York City, in 1897. She was the eldest of five children in an Irish-American family. Her father was a building contractor, and her mother was a homemaker. Margaret attended public schools in New York and graduated from Hunter College High School.

Marriage and Family

In 1923, Margaret married Henry Albert Rudkin, a Wall Street broker. The couple moved to a farm in Fairfield, Connecticut, which they named "Pepperidge Farm" after the pepperidge tree, also known as the black gum tree, that grew on the property. They had three sons.

Founding of Pepperidge Farm

Margaret Rudkin, founder of Pepperidge Farm

Margaret Rudkin began baking bread in 1937 when her son was diagnosed with severe allergies and asthma. Unable to find suitable bread for him, she started baking her own using only natural ingredients. Her bread quickly gained popularity among friends and neighbors.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Rudkin decided to expand her baking into a business. She began selling her bread in local stores and soon caught the attention of a New York City grocer, who placed a large order. This marked the beginning of Pepperidge Farm as a commercial enterprise.

Growth and Expansion

Under Margaret Rudkin's leadership, Pepperidge Farm expanded its product line to include cookies, crackers, and other baked goods. In 1947, the company opened its first modern bakery in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Rudkin was known for her commitment to quality and innovation. She traveled to Europe to learn about different baking techniques and introduced several European-style products to the American market, including the now-famous Milano cookies.

Acquisition by Campbell Soup Company

In 1961, Margaret Rudkin sold Pepperidge Farm to the Campbell Soup Company. She remained involved with the company as a consultant and continued to influence its direction. Her leadership and vision helped Pepperidge Farm become a household name in the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

Margaret Rudkin retired in 1966 and passed away the following year. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazer in the food industry and a role model for women entrepreneurs. Her story is often cited as an example of how determination and innovation can lead to success.

Related pages

• Pepperidge Farm
• Campbell Soup Company
• Milano cookies