The story of Keystone Foods is one of innovation, performance and cost competitiveness. Keystone’s Founder, Herb Lotman pioneered the mass-produced, individually quick frozen (IQF) hamburger patty and introduced the concept to the fast food industry in the late ‘60s. The industry was understandably cautious. It took time to test market the product but it quickly proved itself and was accepted as the industry standard for providing consistent quality product to the market. 

In the early ‘70s, Keystone developed the total distribution concept. Fast food restaurants were receiving multiple deliveries each week - meat, buns, dairy, paper products, and more. Store managers dedicated significant time to deliveries. Keystone worked with the industry to develop a better way. Keystone would buy everything restaurants needed for their operations, bring it to a central distribution center and then make one customized delivery to the restaurant. The total distribution concept minimized the number of deliveries to busy restaurants and allowed managers to better serve their customers.

In the late ‘70s, Keystone pioneered the development of the boneless chicken nugget. This innovative product revolutionized the way Americans ate chicken. Almost overnight, a huge demand for boneless chicken meat was created. The success of chicken nuggets and their effect on convenience foods and the poultry industry is unprecedented. 

Today, Keystone supplies beef, poultry, fish, pork products and custom distribution services to food service industry around the world with the same pride and commitment that existed 40 years ago. But Keystone isn’t just a company with high standards: it’s a company with heart. Keystone is serious about giving back to its community. Keystone was a founding co-sponsor of the LPGA Championship. Since 1981, the golf tournament has raised more than $46 million for children’s charities.