Our Oat Origins
For 140 years, we've been inspired by the wholesome goodness of the humble oat.
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1850
Ferdinand Schumacher founds German Mills American Cereal Company in Akron, OH. During the same period, John Stuart established the North Star Mills Company in Canada.
1877
Quaker Oats registered as the first trademark for a breakfast cereal. The trademark was registered with the U.S. Patent Office as "a figure of a man in 'Quaker garb.'" Both former owners, Henry Seymour and William Heston, claimed to have selected the Quaker name as a symbol of good quality and honest value.
1881
Henry Parsons Crowell buys the bankrupt Quaker Mill in Ravenna, OH, and its most important asset – the brand name Quaker.
1882
Crowell launches the first national magazine advertising program for a breakfast cereal.
1888
Seven of the largest American oat millers--including the Consolidated principals--unite as the American Cereal Company.
1890
The American Cereal Company runs a special all-Quaker Oats train from Cedar Rapids, IA to Portland, OR, and introduces the first ever "trial-size samples." 1/2 oz. sample boxes of Quaker Oats are delivered to every mailbox in Portland, OR.
1891
The Quaker brand becomes the first brand to feature a recipe on its box (Recipe for Oatmeal Bread).
1901
American Cereal changes its name to The Quaker Oats Company.
1908
Oat Cakes become the first oatmeal cookie to appear on the Quaker Oats package.
1911
Quaker acquires Mother's Oats, giving Quaker ownership of half of all milling operations east of the Rocky Mountains.
1915
The familiar round Quaker Oats package is introduced.
1922
Quaker introduces Quaker Quick Oats, one of the first convenience product.
1961
Life® Cereal is introduced in its original flavor.
1966
Quaker Instant Oatmeal is introduced.
1970
The first instant oatmeal flavor is introduced – Maple & Brown Sugar.
1981
Quaker introduces the world to Quaker Chewy granola bars.
1987
Actor Wilford Brimley is the first celebrity to work with The Quaker brand.
1997
The Quaker brand introduces the first food-specific health claim for oatmeal, which is approved by the FDA. The new heart health claim appears on Quaker Oatmeal cereals which qualify. The claim reads: "Soluble fiber from oatmeal as part of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease."
2017
Quaker celebrates our 140 year anniversary.
No-fuss breakfasts for
on-the-go mornings
No-fuss breakfasts for
on-the-go mornings
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