The introduction of sliced bread
What’s the greatest thing since sliced bread? On July 7, 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Chillicothe, Missouri, made history by selling the first pre-sliced bread. This innovative product was made possible by a machine invented by Otto Frederick Rohwedder, changing the way people bought and consumed bread forever.
Otto Frederick Rohwedder, an American inventor, was driven by the idea of making bread easier to use. Before his invention, bread was sold in whole loaves, and slicing it at home was a daily chore for many households. Rohwedder faced many challenges, including a devastating fire that destroyed his original prototype and blueprints. Despite these setbacks, he persisted, and eventually developed a successful bread-slicing machine.
The Chillicothe Baking Company was the first to use Rohwedder’s machine, launching the product “Kleen Maid Sliced Bread” on July 7, 1928. Initially, the idea of pre-sliced bread was met with skepticism. People doubted whether pre-sliced bread would stay fresh and if it would be as good as homemade slices. However, the convenience it offered quickly won people over, and sliced bread became a hit.
The success of pre-sliced bread revolutionized the baking industry. It led to increased bread consumption and influenced the design of loaves and packaging. The phrase “the greatest thing since sliced bread” was born, highlighting the impact of this simple yet transformative invention. Sliced bread made preparing sandwiches and other meals much easier, cementing its place in everyday life.
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In summary, the introduction of sliced bread on July 7, 1928, marked a significant milestone in food history. Otto Frederick Rohwedder’s invention made life more convenient for millions of people and changed the way bread was sold and consumed. Today, sliced bread remains a staple in households worldwide, a testament to an innovation that truly changed the world.