History of Butterball in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 27, 2024

Butterball LLC is a food production company specializing in turkey and other poultry products. They offer a range of products including whole turkeys, cured deli meats, raw roasts, and specialty items like soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Butterball manufactures and distributes their products both within the United States and internationally.

1940: Origin of "Butterball" Trademark

An Ohio woman owned the "Butterball" trademark since 1940 before selling it to Leo Peters.

1940: Butterball Brand Recognized

The Butterball brand was formally recognized in 1940.

1951: Leo Peters Purchases "Butterball" Trademark

In 1951, Leo Peters purchased the "Butterball" trademark, initially unsure of its purpose.

1954: Butterball Turkey Patent

In 1954, Leo Peters patented his trimmed, dressed, and fast-frozen turkeys under the name "Butterball Turkey".

1981: Butterball's Turkey Talk-Line Launched

In late 1981, Butterball launched its Turkey Talk-Line to assist customers with turkey cooking and preparation.

1981: Walter Pelletier Joins Goldsboro Milling Company

Walter "Gator" Pelletier joined Goldsboro Milling Company in 1981.

1990: ConAgra Acquires Swift

ConAgra acquired Swift, the owner of Butterball, in 1990.

October 2006: Carolina Turkeys Acquires Butterball

In October 2006, Carolina Turkeys bought ConAgra's Butterball turkey business and became the largest turkey producer in the U.S. The company renamed itself Butterball LLC.

2006: Butterball LLC Formed

Butterball LLC was formally formed in 2006 as a joint venture between Smithfield Foods and Maxwell Farms Inc.

2008: New Butterball Headquarters

Butterball LLC moved its headquarters to a new $12 million building in Garner, North Carolina, in 2008.

September 10, 2010: Smithfield Divests from Butterball

On September 10, 2010, Smithfield Foods sold its remaining share of Butterball for $175 million.

2010: Smithfield Sells Stake in Butterball

In 2010, Smithfield Foods sold its 49% stake in Butterball to Maxwell Farms for an estimated $175 million. Maxwell Farms then sold 50% of Butterball to Seaboard Corp.

2011: Mercy for Animals Investigation Leads to Arrests

A 2011 Mercy for Animals undercover investigation at a Butterball facility in North Carolina revealed animal cruelty, leading to the arrest of several employees.