The Keystone Foods Story
It all started in Philadelphia with a small family-owned beef business. It all changed with one man’s big ideas and innovative spirit. In the 1960's, Herb Lotman, sought to freeze beef patties in a way that would keep their taste and texture. This led him to the Individual Quick Freezing process. He introduced the IQF hamburger patty to McDonald’s, which is still used today in our burgers.
On the strength of this contract, Herb went from small family-owned beef businessman to founder of Keystone Foods. Today it’s one of the world's biggest food companies, making and delivering food products to 13 countries in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. The IQF method Herb developed is still in use worldwide.
Keystone proved to be true innovators yet again in the early 1970's when they teamed up with McDonald's to develop a total distribution concept. Everything needed to run a McDonald's restaurant was provided in one customized delivery, enabling restaurant managers to save time and focus on customer service.
A few years later, McDonald’s in partnership with Keystone developed Chicken McNuggets®, which revolutionized the way Americans ate chicken. Almost overnight, a huge demand for boneless chicken meat was created.
Today, Keystone's US operations are proud to produce and deliver the highest quality beef, chicken and fish products to McDonald’s, including more than 150 million pounds of beef, 300 million pounds of chicken and 15 million pounds of fish each year. They go above and beyond USDA regulations to meet McDonald's strict animal welfare, product safety and quality requirements.
And of course, Keystone is proud to continue to innovate and partner with McDonald's as "one of the greatest restaurant success stories in history."
As a seasoned expert in the field of food industry history and business partnerships, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the key concepts underpinning the success story of Keystone Foods. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, industry insights, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the evolution of major food companies.
The Keystone Foods story is a remarkable journey that began in Philadelphia as a small family-owned beef business. The pivotal moment in this narrative occurred in the 1960s when Herb Lotman, a visionary entrepreneur, set out to revolutionize the freezing process for beef patties. His goal was to preserve the taste and texture of the patties, leading him to develop the groundbreaking Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) process.
The IQF hamburger patty, a result of Herb Lotman's innovative spirit, became a game-changer for the food industry. His success is evidenced by the fact that McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, adopted and continues to use the IQF method in its burgers. The enduring partnership between Herb Lotman and McDonald's propelled him from a small family-owned beef businessman to the founder of Keystone Foods.
One of the key concepts highlighted in this narrative is the Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) process. This freezing method, pioneered by Herb Lotman, played a crucial role in preserving the taste and texture of beef patties, making it a preferred choice for McDonald's.
In the early 1970s, Keystone Foods demonstrated its innovative prowess once again by collaborating with McDonald's to develop a total distribution concept. This concept streamlined the supply chain for McDonald's restaurants, providing everything needed for operation in one customized delivery. This efficiency allowed restaurant managers to save time and focus on customer service, showcasing the importance of integrated business solutions.
The partnership between Keystone Foods and McDonald's continued to thrive, leading to another groundbreaking development in the form of Chicken McNuggets® in the 1970s. This product revolutionized the way Americans consumed chicken, creating an unprecedented demand for boneless chicken meat. The success of Chicken McNuggets® exemplifies the power of strategic collaborations in shaping consumer preferences and driving market trends.
Keystone Foods has evolved into one of the world's largest food companies, with operations spanning 13 countries across North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. The company's commitment to quality is evident in its production and delivery of over 150 million pounds of beef, 300 million pounds of chicken, and 15 million pounds of fish annually to McDonald's. Keystone goes above and beyond USDA regulations to meet McDonald's strict standards for animal welfare, product safety, and quality.
In conclusion, the Keystone Foods story is a testament to the transformative impact of innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality in the food industry. The journey from a small family-owned beef business to a global food powerhouse reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the business landscape. Keystone Foods continues to thrive as a beacon of success and innovation in collaboration with McDonald's, contributing to one of the greatest restaurant success stories in history.
