#United States #Grand Rapids #Flavor Innovation #Butterball Farms

Butterball® Farms: A Legacy of Flavor Innovation

In 2026, Butterball® Farms is proud to celebrate 70 years of excellence in the art of butter production and flavor innovation. Founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by inventor Leo Peters, this family-owned business has transformed the way butter is used in kitchens and restaurants across the United States. From humble beginnings, Butterball® Farms has grown to become a trusted partner for numerous major foodservice and restaurant brands.

A Journey Through Time

The journey began in 1956 when Leo Peters established Butterball® Farms with a vision of creating high-quality butter products. After selling the Butterball® trademark to Swift Company, Peters retained the use of the name for his innovative new venture. He pioneered the mass production of embossed butters, which quickly gained acclaim among notable restaurant chains and hotels, including McDonald's as one of the company's first clients.

The signature products from Butterball® Farms have expanded from shaped Premium Balls® and Butter Roses to chef-ready garlic herb dollops, which allow chefs to enhance dishes within seconds. The company has not only maintained a commitment to excellence but has also stayed true to its roots in Grand Rapids, where it continues to manufacture all its products today.

Commitment to Innovation

Under the leadership of CEO Mark Peters, who took over at the young age of 30, Butterball® Farms has persisted in pushing the boundaries of culinary flavor. Mark emphasizes that innovation is at the core of what they do. He reflects on his childhood experience as a factory worker, which informs his desire to create meaningful employment and improve the lives of those around him. “Innovation has always been at the heart of Butterball® Farms, and Grand Rapids has been our home for 70 years,” Mark mentions, highlighting the company's steadfast commitment to its community and customers.

Setting a standard in the industry, Butterball® Farms produces a range of butter blends, cream cheese, and custom flavor formats designed to simplify kitchen operations. The company's strategic innovations have kept them relevant and in-demand for decades.

Enriching Lives

Mark Peters envisions a company that enriches lives, not only through delicious products but also through a healthy workplace culture. More than 33% of the company’s workforce consists of second-chance employees, reflecting the firm's commitment to social responsibility and economic empowerment.

To further this mission, Peters co-founded The SOURCE, a Grand Rapids-based initiative aimed at connecting employees to essential resources such as transportation, housing, and financial education. His passion is rooted in his belief that meeting the needs of employees transcends workplace policies and can lead to impactful community growth.

Butterball® Farms' dedication to its employees has earned it recognition as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in both the Nation and West Michigan for over a decade. The company’s influence now extends across nearly ten states, showcasing its commitment to both its workforce and quality products.

Looking to the Future

As Butterball® Farms celebrates this impressive milestone, it also looks ahead, eager to continue its legacy of flavor innovation. With a focus on developing new products that resonate with modern culinary trends while remaining rooted in its foundational values, the company is poised to thrive. Peters concludes, “Seventy years in Grand Rapids is more than a milestone; it’s who we are.” With a continued focus on innovation, customer relationships, and community impact, Butterball® Farms stands as a beacon of quality and commitment in the food industry.

For more information about Butterball® Farms and its exciting range of products, visit ButterballFarms.com.

Contact Information

Butterball® Farms
1435 Buchanan Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-243-0105
Media Contacts:
Mort Meisner Associates
Mort Meisner: O 248-545-2222 C 248-613-0948
Kristin Schenden: 248-895-5638