Orville Clarence Redenbacher, popularly known as Orville Redenbacher, was a renowned food scientist turned businessman. He is best known for his popcorn brand, which is now owned and operated by Conagra Brands.
Orville wasn’t just the face of a brand, but the mastermind behind it. As a food scientist, he transformed popcorn from a simple snack into a household staple. Even though he is no longer among us, he has left an inedible mark in the industry. If you are eager to learn more about Orville Redenbacher and his contribution to the food industry, give this post a read.
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Early Life
Orville Redenbacher was born on July 16, 1907, in Brazil, Indiana, to William Joseph Redenbacher and Magdalena Dierdorff. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a homemaker.
He grew up on a small farm where he learned the value of hard work and developed an interest in agriculture. As a child, sometimes he sold popcorn out of his car.
After completing his studies at Brazil High School, he joined Purdue University, where he studied agronomy. He graduated in 1928, following which he started working in the agricultural field.
Beginning of Career
In his early career days, Orville worked in various agricultural roles, including as a county agricultural agent and in fertilizer sales. In the 1950s, he partnered with Charlie F. Bowman, and the two began growing and selling hybrid popcorn under the name Chester Hybrids. The goal was to create popcorn that would pop more and taste better than anything on the market.
Shot to Fame
In 1969, Orville launched his popcorn brand and named it after himself, Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn. He started selling popcorn across the country which soon caught people’s attention.
After he became the face of his brand, he started appearing in TV commercials wearing his trademark bow tie and glasses, delivering the message that his popcorn was different. By the mid-1970s, Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn was the number-one popcorn brand in America.
Relationship
Orville Redenbacher was married twice in his life. His first wife was Corinne Strate, whom he married in 1928. The couple had two daughters and shared a long life until Corinne passed away in 1971. Later, Orville married Nina Redenbacher, who supported him in his later years.
Leading an eventful life, Orville Redenbacher passed away on 19th September 1995, at the age of 88. According to reports, he was found dead in the tub of his California home with a heart attack being the cause. After cremation, his ashes were scattered in the sea.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
At the time of his death, Orville Redenbacher’s net worth was around $5 million. His main source of income came from his popcorn business, Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn which turned him into a wealthy man. His dedication to quality helped keep the brand popular for decades. Even though he is gone, his legacy lives on through his brand which is now owned by Conagra Brands.
