Behind the Scoop: The Origins and Success of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
The Häagen-Dazs brand of ice cream was created by Reuben Mattus and his wife, Rose, in 1960. Reuben Mattus was a Polish-born American businessman working in the family’s ice cream business for years before founding Häagen-Dazs. The name Häagen-Dazs, which has no particular meaning, was invented to evoke a feeling of European sophistication and craftsmanship.
Reuben Mattus envisioned creating a high-quality, premium ice cream using only the finest ingredients. After working in his mother’s ice cream business, which mainly sold fruit ice and ice cream pops, Mattus decided to develop his own ice cream brand that would stand out in the market.
He experimented with various formulations, ultimately settling on a recipe that contained less air, more butterfat, and natural ingredients. This resulted in a dense, creamy texture that set Häagen-Dazs apart from other ice creams at the time.
To market his product as an upscale, luxurious treat, Mattus invented the name Häagen-Dazs, which, though it sounds Danish, has no meaning in any language. The brand’s packaging featured a map of Denmark and other Scandinavian elements, further reinforcing its European heritage.
The first Häagen-Dazs store opened in Brooklyn, New York, in 1976, and the brand quickly gained popularity. By the 1980s, Häagen-Dazs had expanded throughout the United States and internationally, making it one of the most recognized and beloved ice cream brands worldwide.
In 1983, the Pillsbury Company acquired Häagen-Dazs, and later, in 2001, the brand was acquired by Nestlé as part of their joint venture with General Mills. Today, Häagen-Dazs continues to be known for its high-quality, indulgent ice cream, offering various flavors and products to satisfy consumers’ cravings.
