Orville Redenbacher

Orville Redenbacher

Orville Redenbacher (July 16, 1907 – September 19, 1995) was an American businessman most commonly associated with the brand of popcorn that bears his name. Redenbacher was born in Brazil, Indiana, and studied at Purdue University where he was a member of the agriculture-oriented Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Early Life

Orville Redenbacher was born on a small corn farm in Brazil, Indiana. His fascination with popcorn started at a young age when he began growing his own popcorn and selling it to local grocery stores.

Education

Redenbacher earned his degree from Purdue University, where he studied agronomy. His education played a significant role in his later success, as he used his knowledge to develop a hybrid popcorn that would pop lighter and fluffier than any other on the market.

Career

After graduating from Purdue, Redenbacher began his career as a Vigo County Farm Bureau extension agent in Terre Haute, Indiana. He later became a fertilizer salesman for Princeton Farms in Princeton, Indiana. In 1951, Redenbacher and his business partner, Charlie Bowman, bought the George F. Chester and Son seed corn plant near Valparaiso, Indiana.

In the late 1960s, Redenbacher and Bowman began to develop their own strain of popcorn. After years of cross-breeding, they created a new type of popcorn that was lighter and fluffier than any other on the market. They named their product "Gourmet Popping Corn," and it quickly became a success.

Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn

In 1970, Redenbacher and Bowman launched their popcorn under the brand name Orville Redenbacher's. The brand was a success, and Redenbacher became the face of the company, appearing in many of its commercials. Today, Orville Redenbacher's is one of the most popular popcorn brands in the United States.

Personal Life and Legacy

Redenbacher was married twice and had two daughters. He was known for his distinctive bow-tie and glasses, which became his trademark look. Redenbacher passed away in 1995, but his legacy lives on through his popcorn brand. Today, Orville Redenbacher's continues to be a leading brand in the popcorn industry, known for its quality and taste.

See Also

• Popcorn
• Purdue University
• Agronomy
• Indiana

References

• Orville Redenbacher's Official Website
• Britannica Biography of Orville Redenbacher
• Purdue University Official Website