History
For more than 130 years, Pickle Packers International and its predecessor has been dedicated to the pickled vegetable industry. The nonprofit trade association has sponsored research, represented industry before government agencies, produced educational materials, and provided superior networking opportunities to its members.
Our Story From 1893 to Present
1893
The National Pickle Packers Association (precursor to PPI) is founded as a promotional agency responsible for educating consumers about the benefits of pickles.
1900-1920
Packers meet two or three times a year to discuss acreage in the spring and intake and grades in the fall.
1933
National Pickle Packers Association is incorporated in the State of Illinois on December 14.
1949
From May 20-28, PPI celebrates its first National Pickle Week. Now a 10-day celebration, International Pickle Week incorporates two full weekends and the traditional start of summer cookouts: the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
1952
Bill “the Dill” Moore becomes Secretary-Treasurer (later Executive Vice President) of PPI.
1962
PPI moves its headquarters approximately 30 miles west from Oak Park, IL (in northwest Chicago) to St. Charles, IL, which would officially become the “Pickle Capital of the World” in 1978 by the Illinois General Assembly.
1963
On December 9, the association changes its name to Pickle Packers International, Inc., according to its Articles of Amendment.
1970
F. Olney Brown of Beatrice Foods (Squire Dingee) receives PPI’s first of seven Silver Shadow awards, which recognize individuals who provide significant contributions to the pickle industry.
1975
PPI grows and expands globally to include Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, United States, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
1989
Bill “The Dill” Moore retires as Executive Vice President of PPI and is inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame.
1989
PPI becomes an authority figure of the highest level, with the following question appearing on Jeopardy: “Food Facts: Pickle Packers International says the most popular variety of pickled peppers is this Mexican type.” Answer: Jalapeno.
1993
PPI celebrates its 100th anniversary at The Palmer House in Chicago, IL.
1999
“It’s 1999, and PPI is going on line!” – The website, www.ILovePickles.org, is launched.
2005
PPI moves its headquarters from St. Charles, IL to Washington, DC under executive management of The Roberts Group (now Verto Solutions).
2010
In August, PPI enters the world of social media by launching its “I love Pickles” Facebook page.
2018
In April, PPI becomes a major sponsor of the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, FL.
2025
PPI launches an upgraded website with association information, history, resources, pickle facts, recipes, education, member benefits, and events sections.
Award Winners Through the Years
The Silver Shadow Award
This award was created to recognize individuals who provide significant contributions to the pickle industry. The Silver Shadow Award is symbolized by a candelabra and its shadow and is meant to illustrate that an industry is only the lengthened shadow of the great men who have worked tirelessly to build it. Presented only seven times in the past 46 years, the Silver Shadow Award conveys an exceptional sense of distinction.
- 1970 F. Olney Brown (Beatrice Foods [Squire Dingee])
- 1978 Lewis Hirsch (Paramount Foods, Inc.)
- 1989 William R. Moore (Pickle Packers International, Inc.)
- 1993 John Neal Walker (Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Inc.)
- 1999 Gedney Tuttle (M.A. Gedney Company)
- 2011 James Greisinger (Bay Valley Foods)
- 2016 Donald Swanson (Swanson Pickle Co., Inc.)
- 2024 Bill Bryan (Mt. Olive Pickle Co.), pictured above (left) with John Cates (Addis Cates)
The Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame award is the highest regularly bestowed award of Pickle Packers International, Inc., and is designated for those individuals who make the greatest significant contributions to the advancement and protection of the pickle industry by supplying technical service, basic research or inventions of exceptional benefit. It is intended for those in the disciplines supplying services to the industry as well as unsurpassed leadership.
- 1955 Dr. Joseph Urshel (Urschel Laboratories)
- 1956 Homer Ohlhaver (White Cap Co.)
- 1958 Dr. J.L. Etchells (U.S. Food Fermentation Laboratory USDA)
- 1960 D.J. Ridenour (Stange Co.)
- 1962 Dr. J.C. Walker (Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin)
- 1964 Lewis H. Jones (Food Packers Equipment Co.)
- 1966 Dr. S.K. Ries (Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University)
- 1968 Dr. W.C. Barnes (Clemson University)
- 1970 Fred M. Brainard (Standard Metal Production Co.)
- 1972 Dr. C.E. Peterson (USDA Crops Research Lab, University of Wisconsin)
- 1974 Dr. R.L. Sellars (Chr. Hansen’s Lab)
- 1976 Bernard C. Eisenberg (Solbern Corp.)
- 1979 Dr. Henry Fleming (U.S. Food Fermentation Laboratory USDA)
- 1981 Dr. John Bowers and Dr. Monroe J. Goode (University of Arkansas)
- 1983 Dr. Ralph N. Costilow (Michigan State University)
- 1985 Dr. Richard L. Lower (University of Wisconsin)
- 1987 John Bohan (Burson Marsteller, Inc.)
- 1989 William R. Moore (PPI, Inc.)
- 1993 Walter E. Byerley (PPI Legal Counsel)
- 2011 Dr. Roger McFeeters (US Food Fermentation Laboratory USDA)
- 2012 Dr. Ron Buescher (University of Arkansas)
- 2013 Richard Silverman (PPI Legal Counsel)
- 2017 Gary Mader (Claussen Pickle Co.)
- 2024 Michael J. Havey (University of Wisconsin)
