News
Blue Bell initiates phase two
6 Nov 2015Blue Bell Ice Cream has begun making deliveries to stores as it gets “phase two” of its recovery under way, following the May closure of its operations after a listeria outbreak in which the deaths of three people were implicated.
Blue Bell Ice Cream has begun making deliveries to stores located in Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco, Texas, and Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as well as the surrounding areas, as it gets “phase two” of its recovery under way, following the May closure of its operations after a listeria outbreak in which the deaths of three people were implicated.
“In preparation for phase two, we have spent the past several weeks building our inventory,” said Ricky Dickson, vice president of sales and marketing for Blue Bell. “But, it will take time to reach every account in these areas. We are working as quickly as we can to get product in stores and will be refilling shelves as needed.” Blue Bell returned to stores in select markets, which included the Austin, Brenham and Houston, Texas, areas as well as Birmingham and Montgomery, Ala., where the product was produced, on August 31. Blue Bell is entering each phase similarly to its original expansion over the past 108 years. “The only exception to our rollout is we are now servicing parts of Alabama and Oklahoma where all products are being produced,” Dickson said. “We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming response we have received from our customers. We thank everyone for their patience and know that many areas are still waiting for Blue Bell. We hope to announce a date for phase three in the next few weeks.”