Merita Breads

Merita Breads is a well-known American brand of bread, owned by Flowers Foods. It is a significant part of the American baking industry and has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.

History

Merita Breads was first established in 1901 by the American Bakeries Company in Birmingham, Alabama. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its high-quality bread products and innovative baking techniques. In 1926, Merita Breads introduced the first enriched bread in the United States, which was fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to combat nutritional deficiencies.

Products

Merita Breads offers a wide range of bread products, including white bread, whole wheat bread, and multigrain bread. The brand is also known for its hot dog buns and hamburger buns, which are a staple at many American barbecues and picnics.

Ownership

In 1996, Merita Breads was acquired by Interstate Bakeries Corporation, which later changed its name to Hostess Brands. Following the bankruptcy of Hostess Brands in 2012, Merita Breads was purchased by Flowers Foods, one of the largest producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States.

In Popular Culture

Merita Breads has a notable place in American popular culture. The brand's iconic logo, featuring a young girl holding a loaf of bread, is a familiar sight in many American households. Merita Breads was also the official bread of Disney World from 1970 to 2012.

See Also

• List of bread brands
• History of bread
• Baking industry