Margaret Rudkin

Housewife-turned-entrepreneur who created the first premium natural food brand in America

Margaret Rudkin (1897-1967) founded Pepperidge Farm in 1937, revolutionizing packaged foods by proving consumers would pay premium prices for quality. Her journey began baking allergen-free bread for her asthmatic son using simple ingredients:

• Unbleached flour
• Fresh milk
• Real butter

Despite initial skepticism from grocers, Rudkin's persistence led to nationwide distribution. She introduced innovative packaging techniques like cellophane-wrapped bread and expiration dating. By 1947, annual sales reached $1.9 million ($23M today).

Rudkin pioneered:

• Farm-to-table transparency
• Specialty food marketing
• Recipe-driven product development

Her 1963 autobiography The Margaret Rudkin Story became required reading for entrepreneurs. Pepperidge Farm's legacy continues with 120+ products sold in 40+ countries.