Our History
Imagine Foods: From Inspiration to Innovation
At Imagine Foods, we make some of the best-selling organic and natural Soups, Broths, Stocks and Gravy.
Today, as part of The Hain Celestial Group – the country’s largest and most respected natural and organic foods company—we’re proud to keep our legacy alive while growing to meet your needs. What’s our secret? Well, we’ve taken every care to nurture the inspiration and values upon which our company was founded 25 years ago. Add our steadfast commitment to making the highest quality, exceptionally delicious all–natural food, stir in a good measure of progressive ideas, ecologically responsible thinking, and organic change…and you begin to understand why you love our products so much! Of course, there’s our “magic ingredient” – it’s what happens when it all comes together to create a delightfully satisfying experience.
We genuinely appreciate your interest in our products and hope that you and your family will enjoy them for years to come. Help yourself to a taste of our history…read on and enjoy!
Our Philosophy
For the past quarter century, we’ve made a practice of taking soups and broths to the next level. Our goal is to inspire you in deliciously simple ways…to help you create extraordinary, healthful meals every day. So allow your imagination to flow – and see what happens when you let our garden-fresh taste, rich textures and distinctive flavors be your guide.
Chef-Inspired Goodness
Imagine Foods was founded in Missouri in 1982 by Robert Nissenbaum and a partner. As a cooking enthusiast and longtime advocate of organic gardening, Robert possessed a keen understanding of the links between diet, health, well-being, and our environment. As such, he was well positioned to pursue his mission of offering the best-tasting, highest quality natural food products available.
In 1984, Robert unveiled some of his products to rave reviews at a natural food industry trade show and relocated from a small shop in the woods to Northern California. Thus began a long and exciting adventure…
Our founder’s influence remains with us today, as we continue to create and inspire. Imagine works with organizations such as the Culinary Institute of America to develop new and unique flavors and to make flavor enhancements to both our aseptic and canned lines. One delicious outcome was the development of our Creamy Corn and Lemongrass Soup.
Real Ingredients…Naturally.
Imagine is made with REAL ingredients. That means we strive to use fresh, organic vegetables wherever possible.
Product Innovation: A Recipe for Success
In December of 2002, Imagine Foods proudly joined The Hain Celestial Group, our country’s largest natural and organic food company. By embracing the core values that originally made Imagine Foods a success, and lending its support through expanded resources and distribution, The Hain Celestial Group helped Imagine Foods expand organically, fulfilling our vision and commitment to bring to market even more high quality, great tasting natural and organic foods.
Today, Imagine Foods continues to revolutionize the industry by introducing new products with a focus on quality, taste and convenience – a unique combination that yields something truly special for you, the consumer. How do we do it? Well, a key ingredient of our success is our unique product development process…a process that promotes innovation and fresh thinking by coupling culinary expertise with food science and nutrition. By bringing together these creative elements, we are able to promote original thinking, which allows us to remain on the cutting edge.
Naturally, garden-fresh taste and inspiring flavors make all the difference. For this, we rely on the culinary skills and imaginative thinking of our corporate chef, Deb Braun, plus a team of eminent chefs who are renowned in their field, including award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and kosher cooking expert, Jeff Nathan. We have also drawn on the expertise of the Culinary Institute of America, and other chefs with specialties including gluten-free cuisine and more.
The following highlights several of our recent product innovations:
- 2006
- Imagine introduces Organic Bistro™ Bisques, taking creamy organic soups to the next level with restaurant-style quality in each delightfully seasoned, robust spoonful.
- 2007
- Imagine appears at the forefront of an emerging trend with the introduction of its Low Sodium Chicken Broth…and in 2 short years, becomes one of the leading brands for Low in Sodium and Light in Sodium soups (SPINSscan 52 Weeks Ending 6/13/09, Grocery & Natural Channels).
- Imagine chefs develop new and unique varieties by enhancing soups with natural flavors.
- 2008
- In the fall of 2008, we launch our all-new line of Imagine Natural Creations™ Canned Soups, offering the widest selection of ready-made, natural and organic varieties with pop-top convenience, plus Vegetarian selections.
- 2009
- We kick off the New Year with an updated package design to more accurately reflect our product’s ability to inspire everyday creativity.
- In June, Imagine unveils a brand new product – Organic Gravy – in 2 deliciously savory varieties.
As a leading industry innovator, we’re always looking for new product ideas. Share yours here.
Distribution: Bringing the Best to You
Imagine Foods continues to expand distribution to bring quality Imagine products closer to you and your family.
What if Imagine products aren’t available at my store?
You can help by simply doing one of the following:
- Ask your local food store manager to carry Imagine soup products.
- E-mail our Customer Relations department and request distribution in your area.