Reuben and Rose Mattus (both deceased) were Polish-Jewish immigrant entrepreneurs who founded the creamier, higher-end Häagen-Dazs ice cream brand in 1960/1961. In part, the name chosen was the Danish-sounding ‘Häagen-Dazs’ as a tribute to Denmark’s exemplary treatment of its Jews during the Second World War — incorporating an umlaut which doesn’t exist in Danish, and even putting a map of Denmark on the original carton. Häagen-Dazs is now owned by General Mills.
— Wikipedia
Quote: “When I came out with Haagen-Dazs, the quality of ice cream had deteriorated to the point that it was just sweet and cold,” Mr. Mattus said a few years ago. “Ice cream had become cheaper and cheaper, so I just went the opposite way.” | “Rose was a true partner of her husband in operating the business, making decisions,” said Roy Sloane, the company’s advertising manager until 1987. “Reuben was a true dairy expert, a bug about quality. Rose basically ran the business, holding the company together and making it possible for a dreamer like Reuben to be successful.”
— The New York Times
Learn more about Reuben and Rose Mattus from Wikipedia. ►
Read “Reuben and Rose Mattus: The Jewish immigrant success story behind Häagen-Dazs ” ►
Watch “How Haagen Dazs Started!” [2:34]. ►
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