Bell-Carter Foods: 100 years in business. Still progressive in our approach.
Founded in 1912, Bell-Carter Foods is one of the largest table olive producers in the U.S. and now the largest in the world. We provide full-time employment to nearly 300 people. For over 100 years, our focus has been on providing innovative, best-in-class olive products, along with the industry's absolute best service. Our resulting leadership position has made us the ideal partner for retailers and foodservice organizations alike.
Bell-Carter Foods:
Did you know?
- 1912 - Brothers Arthur and Henry Bell purchase a small olive grove in Orange Cove, California
- 1930s - The Bell's brand introduces the canned, chopped olive, which became widely used (think "islands" in Thousand Island salad dressing). Arthur Bell co-develops the "pitter-chopper,” which remains an industry standard today.
- 1940s - The Company sees continued growth, and when Arthur's stepson Daniel S. Carter joins, Bell’s is renamed Bell-Carter Olive Company.
- 1950s—1960s - Sliced olives are introduced to the home, restaurant and pizza industry.
- 1970s—1980s - Tim and Jud Carter expand the physical operation and eventually move the company to the newly renovated Maywood Olive Company in Corning.
- 1990s - Bell-Carter purchases the Lindsay olive brand — the most widely recognized olive brand in the United States.
- 2012 - Tim T. Carter takes over as 4th generation CEO. (Yes, olive-obsession runs in the family.)
- 2022 - Bell-Carter Foods joins forces with the Escalante Family of AG Olives (Aceitunas Guadalquivir SL), bringing together two veteran olive-producing families.
Our vision
As a leader in the olive category – in service, quality, category knowledge, and product development – we are passionate about creating perfect olives. Since the founding of our company, we have prided ourselves on our ability to listen to our consumers and consistently provide the products they love – olives that have the ideal flavor, texture, and color – which keep them coming back for more.
Helping our customers succeed
From the earliest days of our company, Bell-Carter Foods has had an exceptionally strong commitment to serving our retail and foodservice customers and helping them succeed. That's because we understand that our own success is dependent on theirs; it's a model that is the very definition of "win-win," and is nothing less than one of our core values and guiding principles.
Sustainability
Bell-Carter continually strives to be more environmentally sustainable. Whether it's through recycling 90% of all waste products (including everything from olive pits to paper products and excess can materials), industry-leading investment in wastewater treatment, or converting our plant lighting to halogen to reduce energy consumption, Bell-Carter is committed to being a responsible member of our communities for generations to come.
Philanthropy
Being a family company with deep roots in our communities, Bell-Carter has always been committed to giving back. Every year we donate, volunteer, and raise money to support organizations both local and global. Bell-Carter donates to community, education, and food-based charities, and also supports employee contributions to causes close to their hearts.
A family heritage
From brothers Arthur and Henry Bell in the early part of the 20th century to Arthur's stepson Daniel S. Carter after the depression, to the 1960s when Daniel's sons, Tim and Jud Carter –the third generation of the family – entered the business. Today, Bell-Carter Foods remains the industry leader, selling and marketing domestic olives, imported olives, and olive-related specialty products under the Lindsay Brand, Bell's Olives, and private label partnerships.
Our culture
At Bell-Carter Foods, the same values that Arthur and Henry Bell established nearly a century ago still hold true today – our people are our culture.
Our consistently high standards have attracted a loyal and dedicated workforce that's always striving to create a better company, while having fun along the way. Our roots run deep and wide in the way we care about our employees, the community that supports us, our precious environment, and the olive trees that our growers harvest. And just like the olive tree, we believe in taking our time as we grow to ensure that we never lose sight of our values.
CA Transparency Act
Bell-Carter Foods, LLC.’s consistently high standards have attracted a loyal and dedicated workforce that's always striving to create a better company. Our roots run deep and wide in the way we care about our employees, the community that supports us, our precious environment and the olive trees that our growers harvest.
Requires Direct Suppliers to Certify that they are Doing Business in an Ethical Manner
In addition to Bell Carter’s annual audits of randomly selected suppliers, we require all suppliers to sign verifications to confirm they are doing business in an ethical manner.
Bell Carter Accountability
Bell Carter has a zero tolerance for employees and any suppliers that are not operating in an ethical manner. We maintain and confirm this by our yearly audits.
Bell Carter Provides Training
We provide training to our employees and management. We have done extensive research and training on all our International suppliers in order to maintain proper and ethical supply channels.
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Customer Service
Bell-Carter Foods, LLC.
590 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 220
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
P: 800-252-3557
contactus@bellcarter.com