History
1912
Bell Flavors & Fragrances began as the William M. Bell Company, founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA. During this time, Mr. Bell’s flavors were known to be extremely innovative within the flavor industry. His prior experience as a confectionery-focused flavor chemist provided him an excellent understanding of flavors, but it was his creative nature that captured his customers’ tastes. In the early years, William M. Bell sold his sought after flavors to local ice cream parlors, grocery stores, and soda pop shops.
Meet Bell Flavors & Fragrances
1930
The William M. Bell Company’s flavors became so in demanding that he had to expand. His first manufacturing facility opened on West Grand Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This location proved to be ideal, as Chicago quickly became known as the “Candy Capital of the World.” While Chicago no longer holds this esteemed title, it’s still an active city for the confectionery industry.
Bell's Flavor Innovation Spurs Growth
1955
In the early 1950s, William M. Bell and his wife passed away. With no children to inherit the business, the Wm. M. Bell Company was sold to Theonett & Company, a flavor company located at 3215 West Grand Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Theonett & Company was owned by Arthur Netter and Frank Robinson, whose flavor business was mainly devoted to the beverage industry. Theonett & Company relocated the William. M. Bell Company, expanding their operations on Grand Avenue, but kept the businesses separate.
Bell Is Sold to Theonett & Company
1958
Edward N. Heinz, Jr. became president of Flavor Extract Manufacturing Association (FEMA) and in 1959, FEMA established the FEMA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Program. Then, in 1960, the FEMA GRAS Program was officially launched and would serve as the primary body for the safe evaluation of food flavorings for the flavor industry as well as the public through its GRAS assessment of flavoring substances.
The FEMA GRAS Program Is Born
1968
Edward N. Heinz left his job at Food Materials and purchased his own company, The Wm. M. Bell Company from Theonett & Company. The Wm. M. Bell Company stayed in the Grand Avenue plant and leased office and manufacturing space from Theonett & Company. At the time of the purchase, Wm. M. Bell Company had two employees, Mr. Harold Mathews and Ms. Anne Erlandson.
Edward N. Heinz Purchased The Wm. M. Bell Company
1974
As the business grew, the Wm. M. Bell Company needed additional manufacturing space. In 1974, the company moved its operation to Melrose Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, USA. and rented a 30,000 square foot office and plant located at 3312 Bloomingdale Avenue.
The Wm. M. Bell Company Expands
1975
Bell is featured in the Chicago Tribune newspaper, spotlighting the chemistry expertise of the flavor business. The article showcased how the company delivered “real” tastes to the food industry that adhered to FDA food safety regulations.
Wm. M. Bell Company Featured in Chicago Tribune
1976
Edward Heinz and his three sons, Edward, Raymond and James, knew that it was not only necessary to grow organically, but also explore the acquisition of other companies to achieve a more robust national and international reach. In 1976, the Wm. M. Bell Company completed its first acquisition of Maumee Flavors & Fragrances, located in Danbury, Connecticut. At the time, Maumee developed a line of standard flavors and fragrances and also manufactured key ingredients belonging to the Anthranilate group (Methyl Anthranilate, Dimethyl Anthranilate, and Ethyl Anthranilate) in order to create berry and grape flavors. The Wm. M. Bell Company moved the manufacturing arm of Maumee to its Melrose Park, Illinois, USA plant, but kept some sales offices and labs on the East Coast.
Bell Acquired Maumee Flavors & Fragrances
1979
The Wm. M. Bell Company changed its name to Bell Flavors & Fragrances after Bell acquired a fragrance company in Chicago, Illinois, USA called Roubechez, Inc. This company specialized in developing and selling fragrances to the candle, soap, detergent and household care industries. Bell relocated Roubechez, Inc. into their Melrose Park, IL, USA plant and rented 30,000 square feet of additional space in a separate building adjacent to its existing building. Edward Heinz receives the Distinguished Associate Award as the President of the National Confectioners’ Association (NCA) at the 1979 NCA/American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) Convention.
The Wm. M. Bell Company Rebranded as "Bell Flavors & Fragrances"
1981
Bell purchased the flavor division of the Stepan Chemical Company and moved its headquarters into a new manufacturing plant located at 500 Academy Drive, Northbrook, Illinois, USA. This location is Bell’s global corporate headquarters today. Bell’s acquisition of Stepan also included Fries & Bro. Founded in 1845, Fries & Bro. was the premier tobacco flavor company within the flavor industry.
Bell Acquired the Flavor Division Of The Stepan Chemical Company
1983
This acquisition resulted in the addition of two manufacturing plants in White Lake, New York and Montecello, New York, USA, as well as an R&D center in Paramus, New Jersey, USA. <br><br>The Synfleur acquisition greatly strengthened Bell’s fragrance business, as they had supplied Johnson & Johnson their baby powder fragrance for over 100 years. Synfleur also supplied Nestlé with many of its flavors for beverages, confections, savory, and dairy products.
Bell Acquired Nestlé’s Flavor And Fragrance Division (Synfleur)
1984
Bell consolidated the Synfleur R&D facility in Paramus, New Jersey into its existing R&D facility in Northbrook, Illinois. <br><br>The company also opened an office on the 35th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. This office operated from 1984 – 1990.
A Year Marked By Consolidation And Growth
1985
In 1985, Bell acquired American Brosynthetics Corporation located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. American Brosynthetics Corporation was the only domestic producer of Helotropin, a primary ingredient used by the flavor and fragrance industry. This was Bell’s first main entry into the ingredient side of the flavor and fragrance industry. <br><br> During the same year, Also, in 1985, Bell acquired a California-based flavor, fragrance and ingredient manufacturer called Ritter Company. Ritter was known for manufacturing butter derivatives, primarily butter acids and butter esters. This type of manufacturing uses a very unique and sophisticated reaction process to isolate the butter acids and butter esters directly from butter. These butter acids and butter esters are sold to all flavor manufacturers throughout the world to be used as ingredients in butter and cheese flavors. <br><br> Ritter also was the largest domestic manufacturer of Yucca and Quillaia. These products are extracted from Yucca trees and bark of Quillaia trees. The Yucca and Quillaia extracts are sold to most global beverage manufacturer and are natural foaming products used in root beers and other beverages.
Bell Acquired Multiple Ingredient Companies
1987
Mr. Edward N. Heinz passed away, but his sons carry on his legacy today. The Heinz brothers continue to foster their father’s passion for the business and with that drive, comes even greater growth.
Passing Of Edward N Heinz
1993
Schimmel & Company, originally created in 1829, is considered to be the first global flavor and fragrance company. This facility is one of the largest and most modern production plants in Europe. Bell’s tradition of innovation, research, and award-winning product development continues to live and breathe at this facility. <br><br> This facility is also home to the Schimmel Library, the oldest chemical library in the world. The Schimmel Library contains collections of some of the earliest pioneered work to ever be developed and studied in the industry.<br><br>During this same year, Bell acquired a logistics center and quality control labs in Leipzig, Germany.
Bell Privatized The Operations Of Schimmel & Company In Leipzig, Germany
1993
Founded in 1829 as Schimmel & Co., Bell Flavors & Fragrances Europe soon became the leading flavor and fragrance company in the world, a position which it occupied for over 100 years. <br><br>The scientific accomplishment at Schimmel formed the foundation for technology that’s still widely utilized in the industry today in addition to published works such as, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, published by Doctors Gildemeister and Hoffmann.
The Birthplace of Flavor & Fragrance
1994
This modern, 100,000 square foot plant, located in Middletown, New York, USA serves as Bell’s manufacturing for fragrances and botanicals, servicing our East Coast and all North American customers more broadly.
Bell Purchased a Manufacturing Plant From PFW-Hercules
1995
Bell expanded by acquiring a flavor company located in Brossard, Canada, a suburb of Montreal. The company, Naturome, was owned by John Haffaden and a few other employees at the time. <br><br>Naturome specialized in flavor research for beverages and dairy products, namely yogurts. This division is now called Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Canada.<br><br> During 1995, Bell also created a flavor and fragrance business in Hong Kong to supply flavors and fragrances to China as well as countries in Asia Pacific.
Bell Pushed for Further International Expansion
1996
Bell Flavors & Fragrance earned a certified supplier award from Johnson & Johnson for superior customer service and value.
Bell Earned the J&J Award
1997-2011
Over 14 year period Bell sees rapid growth expanding into over 10 new markets. <br>• 2002 Fragrance production expanded <br>• 2003 Flavor production expanded <br>• 2004 R&D expanded and renovated <br>• 2005 Bell Romania established <br>• 2006 Bell Kazakhstan established <br>• 2009 Bell Middle East established <br>• 2010 Bell India established <br>• 2011 Aroma Chemicals production expanded
1997 - 2011
Bell Sees 20% Annual Growth
Bell Sees 20% Annual Growth
1997
Bell opened a new office in Russia.
Bell Russia Is Born
1999
Bell acquired select flavor and fragrance customers of a large competitor, Haarmann & Reimer in the United States and Canada. The acquisition of customers and formulas supplied to them broadened Bell’s customer base in the United States and Canada. The company also decided to move its operation from Hong Kong to China’s mainland, when China took over governance of Hong Kong. Today, Bell has two plants located in Shanghai, China, a flavor plant and a fragrance plant, with R&D and administration located in Bell’s Shanghai operation.
Bell Acquired H & R and Strengthens International Presence
2000
The Bell family expands into UK and France with new offices.
Bell Grows In Europe
2001
A new sales office was opened in Pszczyna, Poland.
Bell Poland is Established
2001
Furthering its global quest to be a regional flavor and fragrance manufacturer, Bell acquired a 50-year-old flavor and fragrance company in Guadalajara, Mexico called Empersa Industrial Izadora de Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. (EIGSA). Originally, EIGSA manufactured flavors for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage industry, in addition to flavors for bakery, confectionery, dairy and fragrances for the personal care industry. Today, it manufactures savory flavors as well.<br><br> Known as Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Mexico in present day, the company continues to produce two EIGSA signature products: 1) Eigsamix- an extender for milk and 2) Chococob - a chocolate topping for ice cream cones.
Bell Acquired Empresa Industrial Izadora De Guadalajara S.A. De C.V. (EIGSA)
2002
Bell opens a new office in Kiev, Ukraine and established a subsidiary in France.
Bell Expands Into Ukraine
2003
The Penrith Akers company produced flavors and was located in Minnesota, USA.<br><br>Formerly owned by Hans Proft and a few other shareholders, the company specialized in beverage flavors and was a regional supplier to beverage companies for four surrounding states. This company was consolidated into Bell’s Northbrook, Illinois, USA location.
Bell Acquired Penrith Akers
2005
Bell’s Shanghai manufacturing facility contains two separate plants, a flavor plant and a fragrance plant, along with R&D and administration offices. Bell was one of the first flavor and fragrance companies to be able to incorporate and not have a 50% joint venture with a Chinese company. <br><br>Bell China is a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of Bell U.S. and was determined that its Shanghai operation and plants would handle all business for the Chinese market. This operation is now called Bell Flavors & Fragrances, China.
Manufacturing Facility Opens In Shanghai, China
2007
Bell registered and trademarked its botanicals collection known as Belltanicals®. This trademark was acquired to promote and support Bell’s extensive research on and development of botanical extracts for a wide variety of applications. <br><br> Bell’s Belltanicals® line includes: <br>* Botanical Extracts <br>* Aromatic Infusions <br>* All-Natural Blends
Belltanicals® Earns its Registered Trademark
2008
Raymond J. Heinz is inducted into the The National Confectionery Sales Association’s (NCSA) Candy Hall of Fame.
Bell Represented in Candy Hall Of Fame
2009
Bell incorporated Bell Flavors & Fragrances do Brasil Ind. Com.E Repress, Ltda in Sao Paulo, Brazil and began manufacturing flavors for some of Bell’s global customers who required flavors to be manufactured locally in order to alleviate the high tariff duty rate of importing flavors into Brazil. During the same year, Bell founded a subsidiary and opened a sales office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Bell Incorporated Bell Flavors & Fragrances Do Brasil Ind. Com.E Repress, Ltda
2011
Due to exponential growth in domestic and international business, Bell’s Northbrook, Illinois, headquarters acquired an 85,000 sq. ft. warehouse building that is contiguous to the existing corporate headquarters. This warehouse building location is logistically ideal for long-term expansion and planning. Bell attained the Certification of SQF (Safe Quality Food) 2000 Level 3 for its manufacturing facility in Northbrook, Illinois. The SQF certification program is a leading global food safety and quality certification program and management system designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. This prestigious Level 3 certification requires a rigorous third party audit process in addition to an extensive review of policies, procedures, and systems. SQF Level 3 Certification provides customers with the guarantee that their products are manufactured by a consistently safe and high quality source. Bell Northbrook has maintained SQF 2000 Level 3 certification since then and Bell Canada attained the same certification in 2012.
Bell Continues To GROW
2012
Bell celebrated its 100- year history with a centennial celebration honoring the longstanding success and achievements of the company.
Bell Celebrates Its 100 Years Anniversary
2013
Bell Flavors & Fragrances secured its newest international subsidiary with the acquisition of Iceberg Industries’ flavor division located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Iceberg-Aromas has resided in the Brazilian market since 1939 with customers in all segments, particularly in sweets, confectionery, chewing gum, ice cream, drinks, biscuits and savory products.<br>The new facility contains state-of-the-art innovation labs that will serve as the hub for new product creation and customer collaboration . Bell’s new facility manufactures flavors, fragrances and botanical extracts for the South American market.
Bell Acquired Iceberg Industries Flavor Division
2016
Bell Flavors & Fragrances adds it’s newest international office to the family– Bell Singapore.
Welcome, Bell Signapore!
2018
Bell Mexico obtained an 100 SQF score of 100, the highest rating a company can obtain. <br><br>Bell Europe celebrates 25 years in Germany!
Bell Celebrates Exciting Milestones
2018
Bell Flavors & Fragrances announced two of its newest inductees into the 2018 NCSA Candy Hall of Fame, James Heinz, Bell’s Chairman and former CEO, and Laura Christian, National Accounts Manager.<br><br>Both Jim and Laura were nominated and selected among industry leaders who have poured tireless work and dedication into the confectionery industry, and were named as two of eight inductees from the same company.
Bell Flavors & Fragrances Celebrates Two Inductees Into The 2018 Candy Hall Of Fame
2019
In 2019, Bell opened of a sales office and culinary center in the United Kingdom and established a subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Bell Expands Culinary Capabilities in the United Kingdom and Vietnam
2022
Bell Colombia opened a brand-new manufacturing plant and laboratory in Bogota, Colombia in March 2022. Bell Chairman and former CEO, Jim Heinz, was honored to cut the inaugural ribbon.
Bell Expands Operations in Colombia
2023
To kick off the year, Bell commissioned a production facility in Sri City, India and Bell Europe celebrated their 30-year anniversary.
Bell Embraces Milestone Achievements
2023
In February 2023, Bell unveiled its Bell Technology and Innovation Center (BTIC), a state-of-the-art facility at the intersection of innovation, engineering, technology, research product development, and applied sciences. Located at Bell’s global headquarter in Northbrook, IL, USA, BTIC has expanded Bell’s ability to rapidly produce customized flavors that can be incorporated into a wide variety of award-winning food and beverage products with a streamlined ingredients panel.
Creation of Technology & Innovation Center
2023
In March 2023, Bell officially inaugurated its new commercial office and laboratories in Polanco, in Mexico City. These new facilities are located at Campos Elfseos 385 and will continue to serve not only Mexico City, but the entire region, including other neighboring states such as the State of Mexico, Queretaro and Puebla. <br><br>Then, in October 2023, Bell’s Fragrance Division debuted its new Fragrance Creative Center, strategically located at its manufacturing plant in Middletown, New York. This satellite Creation Center serves as an extension to its U.S.-based counterpart located at the company’s headquarter in Northbrook, IL, and further adds to its Creative Centers globally as well as the company’s 11 collective manufacturing plants and sales offices spanning four continents.
Bell Grows In Mexico City
2023
In October 2024, Bell debuted its fully equipped, best in class Consumer Science Sensory Center at its global headquarter in Northbrook, IL. The Center infuses consumer voice into the creation process to inspire memorable flavors and fragrances that fit brand, performance, and emotion. <br><br>With its roots at Bell’s Northbrook campus, the company’s Consumer Sensory Science (CSS) professionals work hand-in-hand with its Flavor and Fragrance teams to foster deep collaboration and creativity. The Center enhances Consumer Sensory capabilities locally and is integral to Bell’s global CSS team, with locations in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and Colombia.
Bell Unveiled New Consumer Science Sensory Center
2024
Today, Bell develops innovative flavors and fragrances for the food, beverage, cosmetic, household care, personal care, oral care, and tobacco companies throughout the world. Bell’s position in the industry has come a long way since 1912, but the same values William M. Bell and Edward N. Heinz held are still honored and celebrated by the Heinz and Bell family today.
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