Texans are screaming for ice cream; Blue Bell is back!
Ice cream lovers have “chilled out,” as Blue Bell returned to grocery stores Aug. 31.
That’s right; Blue Bell ice cream is back on grocery store shelves after a long five months of ice cream deficit.
Many Texans and fellow Southerners were devastated back in March when Blue Bell Creameries issued a product recall.
Approximately five people were diagnosed with the contamination of Listeria monocytogenes from consuming Blue Bell products, dating all the way back to January 2015.
The Department of Health and Human Services released a report that indicated the contamination came from a number of different things. Generally, the department reported observations of “condensate drip” in multiple areas of production.
The company first recalled their “frozen snacks” in March, which included ice cream bars such as Moo Bars and Sour Pops.
Later, in April, Blue Bell discovered that the half-gallon portions of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor also had contamination. The company then made an entire product recall, removing every product from stores across the nation.
Now, Blue Bell has ensured safety and cleanliness in its Brenham factory and is producing a limited variety of ice cream flavors. Unfortunately, some of the more diverse flavors will not be in stores at this time due to the fact that the company has only one factory producing ice cream right now.
The flavors that are available for purchase include: Buttered Pecan, Cookies ‘n Cream, Dutch Chocolate, Homemade Vanilla and The Great Divide.
“We need to start slow and rebuild our program,” said Joe Robertson, advertising and public relations manager at Blue Bell. “We hope to add more flavors like Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip soon and our goal is to one day be back introducing new flavors.”
On the day of its return, social media sites like Twitter and Snapchat went wild as Blue Bell customers ran to their local grocery stores for their favorite ice cream, sharing their experiences with photos and tweets.
“I didn’t get to go buy it, but I’m eager to,” said UHCL freshman Ashley Francis. She is in luck, as her favorite flavor is Cookies ‘n Cream.
Due to the high demand, signs were posted on the freezer doors inside of grocery stores like HEB, asking people to, “please only purchase four products per customer.”
“This has been the most difficult time in the company’s history,” Robertson said. It has been a first for Blue Bell, as it had never issued a product recall in its 108 years.
Blue Bell customers have stood by the company’s side, providing encouragement and support.
At the Astros game on Sept. 4, a message from Blue Bell appeared on the big screen, sending thanks to its loyal customers. The message received a standing ovation.
“It has been humbling,” Robertson said, referring to all of the support.
Now, shoppers will wait for favorite flavors such as Mint Chocolate Chip and Rocky Road, among others, which should return once Blue Bell resumes operations in its other factories.
“We are determined to come back better than ever to meet and exceed the expectation of our many loyal customers,” Robertson said.
Stay updated with Blue Bell by visiting the company’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
You may also find updates and press releases by visiting Blue Bell’s website at BlueBell.com.
I agree with Joe, Blue Bell needs to rebuild slowly…I would not want any “condensate drip” in my ice cream…whatever that may mean…thinking about it makes me cringe!
Good job Shelby!