Information Density: Beaverton Foods – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

[H1] America’s FinestGOURMET CONDIMENTS SINCE 1929

In 1929 Rose Biggi started Beaverton Foods in the cellar of her farmhouse. To help endure the Great Depression, she began grinding her horseradish crop, bottling it, and selling it to local grocery stores. Through her hard work and perseverance, she not only survived the hard economic times, but also built the foundation for the largest specialty condiment manufacturer in the United States.
Our History

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[H4] featured products

[H2] our favorites
[IMG: Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard]
[H2] Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard
$4.29
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Honey Mustard front 13oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Honey Mustard
$4.29
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[IMG: Inglehoffer Cream Style Horseradish front 9.5oz]
[H2] Inglehoffer Cream Style Horseradish
$4.49
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[IMG: Inglehoffer Original Stone Ground Mustard front 10oz]
[H2] Inglehoffer Original Stone Ground Mustard
$4.49
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[H1] History

1929

A Cup of Coffee Changes Everything

[IMG: Rose Biggi and family members standing next to a delivery truck]

1929

In 1910, Rose Biggi (the eldest of 7 daughters) and her family emigrated from Italy to the United States. Nineteen years later they drove from Beaverton to Portland to sell vegetables (including horseradish roots) at a local farmer’s market to make money during the Great Depression. One day, Rose bought a cup of coffee at the market and met Eve Grubmeyers – wife of Fred Grubmeyers. The two became close friends. In 1931, Fred and Eve opened Oregon’s first supermarket, Fred Meyer, and began grinding Rose’s horseradish for their deli department. Today, Fred Meyer has merged with Kroger and is one of the largest grocery store chains in America. Stores in many western states retain the brand name Fred Meyer.

R & L Horseradish Begins in a Basement

[IMG: Rose Biggi]

1929

Rose’s horseradish sold well at Fred Meyer, but the fumes drove customers out of the store. Eve convinced her friend to start grinding her own roots at home. And so she did. In the basement of her farmhouse, Rose washed the roots, removed any black spots, and ground horseradish with a cheese grater. Her hands and eyes burned during the process, but she persisted – desperate to provide for her family during the Depression. She bottled and sold her products under the label R & L Horseradish.

1930

R & L Horseradish Company Grows

[IMG: An empty bottle with Rose Biggi]

1930

Rose quickly began supplying local meat markets and small grocery stores in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Portland. Many stores were not able to buy the product, but would trade it for meat or grocery items they couldn’t sell. Rose was happy to be able to feed her family and pay the bills. As time went on, her business grew as she increased sales and acquired new accounts.

Rose’s First Employee

[IMG: Geno Biggi and Esther smiling]

1930

Rose Biggi’s first employee was named Esther. She was originally hired to babysit Rose’s sons, but Rose figured she might as well help put lids on jars, too. Esther started at 15 cents/hour. She quickly took over the job of making product deliveries and eventually ran the entire horseradish preparation department (with an “iron fist” as Roses’s son, Geno, puts it). Esther worked for Beaverton Foods for 63 years. She never missed a single day of work and never asked for a raise (though she was given them!). Rose loved her like a daughter and the kids considered her family. To this day, Geno credits her for teaching him how to work hard: “I was very fortunate to work with Esther and my mom for over 40 years. I never once heard them say they needed a break. Some days they worked 12 to 13 hours, taking only a few minutes to eat and then get back to work.”

1942

Beaverton Horseradish Company Founded

[IMG: Rose Biggi and family member standing next to car reading "Biggi]

1942

After years of saving, Rose purchased land from the city of Beaverton for $4,600 and R & L Horseradish became The Beaverton Horseradish Company. Over 70 after starting the business, her son, Geno, would change the name to Beaverton Foods and build a new, 80,000 square foot manufacturing plant. Everyone at Beaverton Foods still remembers Rose as an innovator who, against all odds, built what is now the largest distributor of specialty condiments in America. Domonic still has his Grandma’s chair in his office and her presence is felt throughout the new plant to this day.

1950

Beaver Brand is Born

[IMG: Original Beaver Brand logo sketches]

1950

Until this point, Beaverton Foods was still called Beaverton Horseradish company. A broker advised Geno that the business would be limited to only horseradish if he didn’t change its name. Since Geno was already producing mustard at the time, he began brainstorming a new name. One day at an Oregon State football game, he noticed the Oregon State beaver icon. Shortly after, he met with a local artist who created many varieties of beaver logos. Geno eventually decided to stick with one beaver head in particular – the face of Beaver Brand ever since.

1951

Beaver Brand Introduces Cream Style Horseradish

[IMG: First Cream Style Horseradish label]

1951

One day in the early 1950s, Geno made his usual roast beef sandwich by putting horseradish on one side of the bread and mayonnaise on the other. Then an idea hit him: why not mix the two? The result was America’s first Cream Style Horseradish. Geno eventually developed a shelf-stable variety and a new, whipped horseradish product as well. Beaverton Foods continues to sell its Cream Style Horseradish in grocery stores around the country today.

The First Bottled Chinese Hot Mustard

[IMG: First Chinese Hot Mustard label]

1951

In the early 1950s, Geno discovered a delicious hot mustard while eating at a local Chinese restaurant in Beaverton. He asked the chef where he purchased his product. Apparently, the chef told Geno, the product had to be made from scratch daily using mustard flour, otherwise it would get bitter and lose its heat. Geno couldn’t find any Chinese hot mustard in any of his local grocery stores, either. He went to work and eventually discovered a way to preserve the extra hot mustard. Beaver Brand Chinese Hot Mustard took off! It was a new first that built the creative foundation for new unique flavors in the future. You’ll still find it sold in almost every major grocery store in America.

1956

Beaverton Horseradish Company’s Lucky Day

[IMG: Beaverton Horseradish Company]

1956

In 1965, a trade magazine published an article about Beaverton Horseradish Company’s first automatic bottling machine. The article caught the attention of a food broker named Sam who reached out about representing the company in northern California. Since the company didn’t do any business in California at the time, Geno gladly accepted. Sam and Geno remained business partners and friends for many years. Geno remembers Sam fondly, saying “I was very fortunate because Sam was one of the best things that ever happened to Beaverton Foods… he was one of the very best.” The company wouldn’t be what it is today without his support.

1958

Grocery Stores Finally Take Notice

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1958

In the late 1950s, brokers in the Portland area wouldn’t accept Beaver Brand products – claiming there was no market for specialty mustard and too many brands of horseradish. Since there was “no space” on the grocery store shelves, Geno decided to market his products in “dump bins” in the deli department. He placed 11 cases of assorted 4 oz products priced at 69 cents apiece. They sold like crazy! Shoppers loved the products and grocery stores loved the arrangement because the cases took up no shelf space. Several years later, a few stores allowed Beaver Brand products on the selves of their mustard sections. Today you can find Beaver Brand products in grocery stores all across America, the UK, and Canada.

1960

Beaver Brand Introduces First Russian Sweet Extra Hot Mustard

[IMG: Cover of Weekender magazine displaying Beaver Russian Sweet Hot Gourmet Mustard]

1960

In 1960, a broker showed Geno a new style of Russian Sweet Extra Hot Mustard. The flavor was good, but the product separated from the bottom of the jar and quickly became discolored. As usual, Geno accepted the challenge. He began experimenting with a new formula and discovered a way to enhance the flavor without the separation or discoloration. The product sold to stores throughout the country! Geno realized that his small company would have to produce original, high-quality flavors in order to compete in what was emerging as the specialty food industry. The experience clarified his vision for what is now the Beaverton Foods of today – with over 100 unique and delicious products.

1965

Beaver Brand Goes to Canada

[IMG: Geno Biggi and Irvin at a Beaverton Foods event]

1965

In 1964, Geno met a man named Irvin and his father who owned a large specialty food company in Vancouver, Canada. The pair was impressed with Beaver Brand horseradish, and the relationship grew quickly. Irving pioneered the distribution of Beaver Brand products in Canada – Beaverton Foods’ first international market. Irvin came to be one of the brand’s best distributors – and a close friend. Geno always remembered Irvin as a hard worker and great friend.

1972

Beaver Brand Develops First Signature Honey Mustard

[IMG: Vintage Beaver Brand Sweet Hot Mustard 4 oz bottle]

1972

In 1972, the famous Swiss Colony stores in California asked Geno to produce a sweet mustard for their brand. He worked up several formulas using sugar, but each failed when blended in factories. Geno was just ready to give up on the project when he met a local honey farmer in Beaverton. He took a few honey samples home and decided to try one more formula. To his surprise, it was perfect! Swiss Colony began selling it under its label. Unbeknownst to Geno, this was the first sweet hot mustard made with honey.

Geno wanted to test this product on the public himself. He found that most people liked the sweet flavor, but didn’t like their mustard “hot,” so he developed a sweet honey mustard formula under his own Beaver Brand label. Beaver Honey Mustard became a huge success and helped Beaverton Foods achieve notoriety.

As years passed, other companies began copying the formula. Geno took great pride that a small company in Beaverton played a part in launching what would soon become the specialty mustard industry with the advent of honey mustard.

1975

Beaverton Foods Earns Praise from James Beard

[IMG: Old advertisement for Beaver Brand and Inglehoffer]

1975

In 1974, Geno experienced what he called “the longest three days of his business life.” After failing to sell any cases at the yearly Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, he thought his dream was over. Then he got lucky. In 1975, a famous chef named James Beard contacted mustard companies around the world. He was writing an article for Esquire Magazine about the best mustard, domestic or imported, sold in America and asked each company to send its best products for him to taste. When the article was written, James Beard awarded Beaverton Foods 5 of the top 11 mustard spots – giving the company top honors for “value, flavor, and quality.” Companies the world over could not believe a small company in Oregon could produce such great products.

1981

Inglehoffer Becomes National Brand

[IMG: Inglehoffer mustard pack]

1981

In the ’70s on a trip to Los Angeles, Geno discovered a unique, round jar labeled “German Style Stone Ground Mustard.” The brand was Inglehoffer and he quickly fell in love with both the product and the packaging. Shortly after this trip, Geno met with the owners of Inglehoffer and began co-packing and distributing Inglehoffer products throughout Southern California. 6 years later, the owners sold the brand to Geno. Today, Inglehoffer is the largest and fastest-growing line of specialty condiments in America.

Beaver Brand Changes Labels

[IMG: 4 vintage Beaver Brand labels]

1981

In the 1980s, Beaverton Foods decided to make some label improvements. Distributors were finally taking notice of Beaver Brand products and the company wanted to make sure customers could find their products on shelves. At the time, Beaver Brand was only selling small, 4 oz jars with little space. The new labels included a larger Beaver Brand head, rich colors, and large letters. They were a success! Customers could see the products and they were much easier to locate on shelves. Today, every Beaverton Foods label continues the tradition of large fonts and bright colors.

1986

Beaverton Foods Introduces First-Ever “Squeeze Bottle”

[IMG: Geno Biggi holding a squeeze bottle of specialty mustard]

1986

In 1986, Geno was approached by a deli owner after a Fancy Food Show who was interested in packaging mustard in squeeze bottles instead of glass jars. At the time, grocery stores only sold yellow and spicy brown mustards in squeeze. All specialty mustards were packaged in fancy glass jars, mugs, and crocks and imported from Europe. In fact, American companies said it couldn’t be done at all – the products would spoil and lose flavor. After being told he’d never be able to sell squeeze, Geno developed his own unique, squeeze bottles for Beaver Brand products. He packed up an old van and brought cases to local grocery stores. To his surprise, the critics were wrong and the products flew out of the stores! With this achievement, Beaverton Foods became the pioneer of the first-ever squeeze bottle for specialty mustard.

1995

Inglehoffer Wins “Grand Champion of Mustard”

[IMG: A scanned news article titled,]

1995

In 1995, the first World Championship of Mustard competition was held in Napa Valley, California. That year, Inglehoffer became Grand Champion for its Horseradish Mustard out of over 300 competitors. Today, mustard companies continue to compete each year for medals in various categories as well as to be the overall champion. Beaverton Foods has won medals in every category – and more collectively than all other mustard companies combined.

1998

Beaverton Foods Acquires Napa Valley Mustard Company

[IMG: Napa Valley product portrait]

1998

In 1993, Geno was introduced to the owner of the Napa Valley Mustard Company at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. The two quickly became friends. Soon after, Beaverton Foods began producing Napa Valley’s products in its plant. In 1998, Beaverton Foods acquired the business entirely. The products soon became a favorite for gift packs, offering unique flavors with ingredients from the Napa Valley region.

2000

Original Plant Demolished

[IMG: Rose Biggi]

2000

In 1

[IMG: Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard]
[IMG: Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard back 12 oz]

[H1] Beaver Brand Cranberry Mustard
If you say “cranberry,” we think “turkey” – leftover turkey sandwich, that is! Our Cranberry Mustard is absolutely perfect for a Thanksgiving meal and the leftover sandwiches that follow. Use this mustard year-round on any sandwich for a delicious pop of sweetness.
$4.29

SKU: 277

Categories: Award Winning, Beaver Brand, Mustard, Product

Description

Additional information

[H2] Description
If you say “cranberry,” we think “turkey” – leftover turkey sandwich, that is! Our Cranberry Mustard is absolutely perfect for a Thanksgiving meal and the leftover sandwiches that follow. Use this mustard year-round on any sandwich for a delicious pop of sweetness.

[H2] Additional information

Weight
16 oz

Dimensions
3 × 1.5 × 5.5 in

Size
12.5 oz

[H2] Related products

[IMG: Beaver Brand Jalapeño Mustard front 13oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Jalapeño Mustard
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Sweet Hot Mustard front 13 oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Sweet Hot Mustard
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Kosher Horseradish front 4oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Kosher Hot Horseradish
$2.29
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Wasabi Horseradish front 12.5oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Wasabi Horseradish
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Honey Mustard front 13oz]
[IMG: Beaver Brand Sweet Honey Mustard back 13oz]

[H1] Beaver Brand Honey Mustard
It’s Honey Mustard o’clock! Our award-winning Honey Mustard is also one of our best selling products. Why? Beaver Honey Mustard is the perfect “all-around” condiment – great on its own as a dipping sauce, atop a sandwich, burger, hot dog, pretzel or chicken nuggets, and even delicious as a base for a salad dressing or marinade. Can you say Honey Mustard heaven?
$4.29

SKU: 227

Categories: Award Winning, Beaver Brand, Mustard, Product

Description

Additional information

[H2] Description
It’s Honey Mustard o’clock! Our award-winning Honey Mustard is also one of our best selling products. Why? Beaver Honey Mustard is the perfect “all-around” condiment – great on its own as a dipping sauce, atop a sandwich, burger, hot dog, pretzel or chicken nuggets, and even delicious as a base for a salad dressing or marinade. Can you say Honey Mustard heaven?

[H2] Additional information

Weight
16 oz

Dimensions
3 × 1.5 × 5.5 in

Size
12.5 oz

[H2] Related products

[IMG: Beaver Brand Mild Dijon Mustard front 11oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Mild Dijon Mustard
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Wasabi Horseradish front 12.5oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Wasabi Horseradish
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Sweet Hot Mustard front 13 oz]
[H2] Beaver Brand Sweet Hot Mustard
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[IMG: Beaver Brand Cocktail Sauce front 13oz]
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