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FOOD AND DRINK NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007

With a vast U.S. footprint, Bridgford Foods Corp. says it emphasizes product quality while reducing retailers' work through its direct store delivery ststem. BY ALAN DORICH

FROM A MODEST START 75 YEARS AGO, BRIDGFORD FOODS CORP. has grown into a company whose products are now sold in all 50 states, Canada and overseas. "It's a good, solid company controlled by the Bridgford family," declares Baron Bridgford Sr., president of the company's Chicago division.

Bridgford's grandfather, Hugh H. Bridgford, opened his first retail meat market in San Diego in 1932. Over the years, the company says, it added more retail locations before transitioning into meatpacking and forzen food manufacturing.

Today, the company's headquarters are in Anaheim, Calif., and it has additional manufacturing facilities in Dallas; Statesville, N.C.; and Chicago. While its other locations specialize in microwavable sandwiches, luncheon meats and bakery items, Baron Bridgford says the Chicago division produces pepperoni, sausage, beef jerky and additional meat products.

In addition, the company's direct store delivery (DSD) system is based in Chicago. Through this system, Bridgford Foods delivers products and replenishes the shelves of its U.S. retailers.

Hands-on control by top management allows the company to operate efficiently, says Vice President Chris Cole. "There's never been a long chain of command or office politics [here]," he says. "We're able to make fast decisions and make things [happen] quickly."

Bridgford Foods has been recognized for its products, as well. Bridgford's son, Special Projects manager Baron Bridgford II, notes that the American Culinary Institute has repeatedly awarded the company for producing the best tasting beef jerky and pepperoni with its ChefsBest Best Taste award. "It's a physical indication of what we're trying to communicate to our buyers and customers every day," Bridgford says. "We focus on creating the best-tasting, highest-quality product available in the market. We've been successful, so far."

KEEPING CLOSE
One of Bridgford Foods' strongest competitive advantages is its direct store delivery (DSD) system, Bridgford says. "It's not something that many people offer," he says. "We try to take the work off of the shoulders of the retailers as much as possible."

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