Food’s GOATs: The Greatest of All Time in the Food Industry

by Tim Forrest

Every industry has its legends—the trailblazers who changed the way we live, shop, and eat. In the food industry, these visionaries didn’t just build brands—they built the foundations of modern food business as we know it today.

Here are some of the greatest of all time in food innovation, whose creativity and persistence continue to shape our plates and grocery shelves.

1. Clarence Saunders – The Father of Modern Grocery Shopping

Long before supermarkets became our weekend ritual, Clarence Saunders revolutionized retail with his creation of Piggly Wiggly in 1918. He introduced the self-service grocery model, allowing customers to browse aisles and select items themselves—a radical concept at the time. His system included price tags, receipts, and checkout counters, laying the groundwork for every supermarket that followed.

2. Jim Sinegal, Sol Price & The Albrecht Brothers – Masters of Retail Efficiency

When you think of modern wholesale and discount retailing, think of Costco and Aldi.
Jim Sinegal, the co-founder of Costco, drew inspiration from his mentor Sol Price, the father of the warehouse-club model. Meanwhile, the Albrecht brothers, founders of Aldi and owners of Trader Joe’s, redefined global retail with a no-frills, efficiency-driven approach that keeps prices low without compromising quality. Together, they’ve changed how millions of families shop every week.

3. George and Carl Page – The Pioneers of Processed Dairy

In 1866, brothers George and Carl Page created evaporated milk, launching what would later become part of Nestlé. Today, Nestlé operates 447 factories with 29 billion-dollar brands, influencing how the world consumes dairy and packaged foods. The Page brothers’ innovation made milk shelf-stable—and helped feed millions before refrigeration became widespread.

4. Samuel J. Porcello – The Man Behind the Oreo Magic

Known affectionately as “Mr. Oreo,” food scientist Samuel J. Porcello perfected one of the world’s most iconic cookies. He invented and patented the creamy white filling that made Oreos legendary. His work at Nabisco didn’t just create a snack—it created a global symbol of comfort and nostalgia.

5. Joseph Coulombe – The Visionary Behind Trader Joe’s

Joseph Coulombe, author of Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys, turned a small chain of convenience stores into a cultural phenomenon. His Trader Joe’s stores transformed grocery shopping for America’s most discerning consumers—those looking for quality, value, and personality in every aisle.

6. Robert Woodruff – The Coca-Cola Powerhouse

As president of The Coca-Cola Company, Robert Woodruff didn’t just sell soda—he built an empire. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola became synonymous with refreshment worldwide. His marketing genius and brand stewardship helped make Coke one of the most recognized brands on Earth.

7. Vinnie Gruppuso – From Bread Route to Billion-Dollar Pudding

Starting as a bread route salesman, Vinnie Gruppuso built Kozy Shack Pudding into a household name. His story reminds us that great food brands often start with humble beginnings—and that passion for quality can create an empire of comfort desserts.

8. Henry Wood – America’s First Food Entrepreneur

In 1790, Henry Wood established what is often recognized as America’s first food company in the Northeast—today known as King Arthur Flour. More than two centuries later, the brand still leads in baking innovation, proving that legacy and craftsmanship can stand the test of time.

9. Wally Amos – The Cookie Pioneer

Before there was a cookie aisle, there was Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos Cookies. His was the first cookie shop of its kind and earned him a place in the Smithsonian Institution. Wally’s entrepreneurial charm and storytelling made him one of the first food celebrities of the modern era.

10. David Klein – The Sweet Genius Behind Jelly Belly

David Klein created Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, revolutionizing candy with gourmet flavors and creative packaging. His imagination didn’t stop there—he went on to innovate in the balloon décor and yogurt toppings industries. Klein’s playful approach shows how creativity in food can cross categories and generations.

Honorable Mention: Otto Rohwedder – The Man Who Sliced Bread

No food list would be complete without Otto Rohwedder, the inventor of the bread-slicing machine. His 1928 creation brought us the ultimate expression of convenience—“the best thing since sliced bread.”

From Clarence Saunders’ self-serve aisles to Wally Amos’ warm cookies, these visionaries changed not only how we eat—but how we think about food business. They remind us that innovation, perseverance, and passion are timeless ingredients for success.