Fort Worth Billionaire Sid Bass Invests in Blue Bell Ice Cream

Fort Worth billionaire Sid Bass has made “a significant investment” in Blue Bell ice cream. The prominent Texas businessman has become an investor and a partner with the little creamery from Texas.

In a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas, Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president, stated, “We are pleased Sid Bass has made a significant investment with our company. The additional capital will ensure the successful return of our ice cream to the market and our loyal customers.”

Sid Richardson Bass graduated from Yale University and Stanford Graduate School of Business before joining the family oil business founded by his great-uncle, Sid Richardson, and his father, Perry Richardson Bass.

Mr. Bass is active in the family oil and gas and carbon black businesses.  He has managed long-term investments and worked closely with management teams throughout his career, notably The Walt Disney Company. Bass is #1118 on Forbes list of “The World’s Billionaires” and his net worth is listed as $1.66 billion.

“We are excited to be a part of the Blue Bell brand and family” stated the Texas billionaire. “Blue Bell is the quality leader in the ice cream industry. We believe quality is the principle attribute that ensures the success, growth and longevity of a business.”

Breitbart Texas reported a few days ago that the Texas-based creamery will resume “testing production” at their Alabama facility in the next few weeks.

The Texas company had to halt production of their ice cream products in March after some of the products were linked to deaths in Kansas caused by the listeria bacteria. Even though the bacteria was found in just some of its products, the company recalled all of its inventory sent to every vendor. Millions of gallons of ice cream and treats were taken off the shelves.

The aftermath cost 37% of Blue Bell workers their jobs, and remaining employees had wage reductions.

Employees have been put through extensive training for cleaning and testing for contamination.

As reported by Breitbart Texas, Blue Bell has been able to resume manufacturing but only after multiple inspections, and after reaching an agreement with the Alabama State Health Department and other state agencies in Texas and Oklahoma.

Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2