HOME OUR COMPANY OUR STORY PRODUCTS CONNECT CAREERS BECOME A DEALER HOME OUR COMPANY OUR STORY PRODUCTS CONNECT CAREERS BECOME A DEALER PRESS ROOM DUTCH APRON® BAKERY DEBUTS REFRESHED WEBSITE Posted: July 7, 2021 West Bend, IA (July 7, 2021) – Dutch Apron® Bakery is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The new site features a more modern design, improved navigation, and improved overall user experience. It includes the following new features: “Responsive Theme” – the site is built on a responsive theme, so you can view on the go. It responds to your device and shows a mobile-friendly version for your convenience. “Blog” – the new inspiration blog has recipes, decorating tips and more for you to explore. Now, everyone can “Sweeten Life’s Special Moments” and unleash their creativity with Dutch Apron Bakery products. “Product Locator” – this is a feature that allows anyone from around the United States to type in their zip code and find Dutch Apron Bakery products in a store near them! People can even search by product, so they’re never without their favorite dessert. “This new website was created with the user experience in mind,” said Ashley Akridge, Marketing Manager. “The site will include many new features designed to help users quickly and easily find any information about our products, including where they can buy our delicious products.” Explore the redesigned website and learn about all of Dutch Apron Bakery’s product offerings and happenings at www.dutchapron.com. About Dutch Apron Bakery Dutch Apron Bakery specializes in manufacturing a wide array of seasonal and specialty bakery items. Headquartered in West Bend, Iowa, Dutch Apron Bakery is dedicated to developing and providing solutions that drive customer growth and success. We offer a broad, innovative portfolio of premium bakery items for retail and foodservice markets. Our experience combined with advanced technologies and integrated processes set a new standard for quality in the bakery industry. We are dedicated to serving our customers by providing the most innovative solutions and finest products for the best overall value. COUNTRY MAID CARES 2020 GIVING CAMPAIGN! Posted: August 8, 2020 West Bend, IA (August 08, 2020) – Country Maid, Inc has been supporting non-profit organizations for over 25 years. Now, we are furthering our mission of “helping others help themselves” by creating Country Maid Cares, our charitable giving program. With this new program, we can continue to give back, raise awareness, and encourage support for local causes. In 2020, our charitable giving efforts are focusing on the importance of food and family. This year the campaign will support local food banks with two different fundraising efforts: the Country Maid cookbook and a local food drive. Written by the Country Maid family, including employees and dealers from all around the country, The Flavor of Family cookbook features more than 200 heirloom recipes passed down through the generations. Proceeds will be donated to local food banks. In America, six out of seven children don’t get the food they need in the summer because they don’t have access to critical food programs offered by their schools. Our goal for the food drive is to help stock the pantries with enough food to feed 210 households at least one meal. “Our communities are going through a lot right now with everything that’s happening in the world. Families may be struggling to get the food they need,” said Katelyn Helgevold, Marketing Project Coordinator at Country Maid and member of the Country Maid Cares committee. “Now more than ever we need our community to come together and give their support to those in need.” For more information on Country Maid, visit www.countrymaid.net. About Country Maid Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, manufactures the “famous” Butter Braid® pastry available only through fundraisers for the purpose of helping non-profit groups raise funds for various causes. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has helped thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $245 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Employing approximately 70 workers from 20 Northwest Iowa communities, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves.” Country Maid Achieves SQF Level 2 Recertification! Posted: November 20, 2017 Country Maid, Inc. has done it again! We are pleased to announce our recertification to SQF Level 2. Safe Quality Foods Program (SQF) is a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) based food safety program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. The SQF certification program ensures that products have passed through international standards for food quality and safety. SQF is recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world who require a rigorous, credible food safety management system. At the conclusion of the two-day audit, Country Maid, Inc. received an “Excellent” score, which reflects the commitment and dedication of our employees. Automation Increases Efficiencies for Pastry Factory Posted: January 24, 2017 Sometimes big things come in small packages. Country Maid Inc.’s Butter Braid® brand pastries are a perfect example. The West Bend, IA company has been rolling out delicious dough products for the fundraising industry since 1991, and these tasty pastries have helped non-profit groups raise over $200 million and counting. In order to keep up with demand, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, Country Maid leaned on Van Meter Inc.’s automation expertise. Challenge Country Maid has come a long way since doing everything by hand in founders Ken and Marlene Banwart’s basement. When it grew into a state-of-the-art production facility, it was looking for a way to increase efficiency without losing product consistency. It also needed to remain in compliance with FDA regulations. “A lot of the regulation that we are governed by is through the FDA,” explained Country Maid Systems Engineer, Marc Banwart. “Several years ago they passed the Food Safety [Modernization] Act, and with that came a lot of need to be able to produce records of batch histories.” READ MORE Country Maid Announces Donation to UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital Posted: August 9, 2016 Country Maid, Inc. once again stayed true to their mission of “Helping others help themselves” at their annual Dealer Conference held in Wisconsin Dells, WI, where they donated $2,500 to support the UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital. “Supporting organizations such as UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital is a wonderful opportunity for the Country Maid family to live our mission statement of “Helping Others Help Themselves!” said Darin Massner, CEO of Country Maid. The donation will help pay for an Emergency Department Child Life Specialist. This person works with children coming into the Emergency Department at the hospital. They provide activities to do with the child, provides distractions during procedures, and helps to calm down not only the patient, but the parents too. Each year Country Maid dealers and employees give back to organizations by participating in a humanitarian event during their dealer conference. They partner with a new organization every year spreading goodwill in many different cities across the United States. About American Family Children’s Hospital American Family Children’s Hospital located in Madison, WI is a comprehensive pediatric medical and surgical center featuring nationally recognized pediatric specialists in a wide range of fields. Their state-of-the-art facility wins widespread praise for its expert care in a warm, soothing atmosphere that enhances a child’s ability to heal. Country Maid Launches New Premium Frozen Cookie Dough Line Posted: August 2, 2016 West Bend, IA, August 1, 2016 – Country Maid Inc. recently announced the launch of their new product line, Wooden Spoon cookie dough. This fall, fundraising consumers nationwide will have the opportunity to make a difference, spread happiness, and enjoy six different mouthwatering cookie dough flavors. They include, Candy Delight, Classic Chocolate Chip, Sweet Macadamia Nut, Cranberry Oatmeal Medley, Peanut Butter Perfection, and Snickerdoodle. “Country Maid has been a longtime producer of unique, high quality baked goods. We are beyond excited to bring a new cookie dough to the market that offers so much to fundraising groups and consumers across the nation,” said Mollie Clark, Marketing Manager at Country Maid. Simple, convenient, and premium products are a shared passion for everyone at Country Maid. They make products that make people happy and are easy for the busy families of today. Wooden Spoon cookie dough comes pre-portioned in forty convenient 1 ounce cubes of dough. “Our tagline for Wooden Spoon cookie dough is ‘Happiness Cubed’,” said Clark, “First, it’s made by great people who care. Second, it’s a convenient and delicious product. Third, it helps raise funds for so many worthy causes across the nation. With those three elements, we are spreading happiness one bite at a time.” The name Wooden Spoon was inspired by memories of happy times in grandma’s kitchen. It reminds people of the love and care that went into every bite, but now with a modern and convenient twist! Country Maid, makers of Wooden Spoon cookie dough, started its humble beginnings in a farm house basement over twenty-five years ago. Today, the humble spirit carries on as they continue to make pastries, cookie dough, and other baked goods in the same small farm community of West Bend, Iowa. Serving others has always been at the heart of the makers of Wooden Spoon cookie dough. Every cube of cookie dough is made with love and care in the Heartland of America. Customers can be proud to support this fundraiser, because they’ll have helped a worthy cause and are receiving a quality product in return. It is truly a delicious way to raise some dough! To run a Wooden Spoon cookie dough fundraiser, visit woodenspooncookies.com. COUNTRY MAID IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION Posted: February 1, 2016 West Bend, IA, February 1, 2016– Country Maid, Inc. is pleased to announce its acquisition of all the assets of Dutch Country Apple Dumplings Inc. The company was founded by Andy Hamsher in Orrville, Ohio in 1987, and has fulfilled its commitment to treating customers, vendors, associates, and owners according to Christ’s example. “Country Maid is grateful that Andy has entrusted us with the task of serving Dutch Country’s customers by continuing to produce high quality cake rolls and apple dumplings. We believe that Country Maid’s culture and humble beginnings align us to continue Andy’s vision. ” stated Country Maid’s CEO Darin Massner. The acquisition provides Country Maid the opportunity strengthen its position in the fundraising market while diversifying into the retail channel. It expands the company’s position as a safe, quality food manufacturer while growing its product portfolio and distribution capabilities. Country Maid has been a producer of high quality laminated dough and other pastry products for nearly twenty five years. As a 100 percent employee-owned company, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves”. The Employees of Country Maid gave back in a big way this year! Posted: December 18, 2015 West Bend, IA (Dec. 18, 2015) - The Employees of Country Maid gave back in a big way this year, by participating in the Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays program through Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. - Palo Alto County Outreach Office in Emmetsburg. Forty employees from Country Maid adopted three families with nine children total. Each child had a list of what they would like for Christmas from boots to toys. Every item on the children’s list and many more were fulfilled by the employees. The presents will be delivered to the families just in time for Christmas! Country Maid to be showcased on “Manufacturing Marvels®” on The Fox Business Network® Posted: September 1, 2015 West Bend, IA (Aug. 31, 2015) - Country Maid, makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries have announced they will be seen on Manufacturing Marvels on The Fox Business Network. The Manufacturing Marvels production crew will be filming early September at Country Maid’s state-of-the-art, SQF certified manufacturing facility in West Bend, Iowa. They will document the production process of the company’s flagship product and the unique dealership opportunity they offer. The spotlight on Country Maid will air on The Fox Business Network on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 between 8:30 p.m.- 8:44 p.m. CST. Check your local listings to find your local provider and channel for The Fox Business Network, visit www.foxbusiness.com/about/channel-finder/index.html. Manufacturing Marvels spotlights leading American manufacturers, their products, as well as the companies’ processes and unique aspects of business. The productions are produced by award winning producers Bob and Jerry May and award winning director Bryan McCullough. Country Maid has been manufacturing frozen food products, namely Butter Braid brand pastries, since 1991 for the fundraising industry. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has been able to help thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $175 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Country Maid sells other frozen food products in retail and also offers co-manufacturing services. Country Maid Lends a Helping Hand to Children in Need Posted: July 27, 2015 West Bend, IA (July 27, 2015) - “Helping others help themselves” is the cornerstone of Country Maid’s corporate mission and was reflected in the philanthropic event held at their annual Dealer Conference this year in San Antonio, Texas. Over 75 Country Maid dealers and employees fulfilled their mission of helping others, by constructing nearly 200 stuffed animals for pediatric patients at the Baptist Regional Children’s Center in San Antonio. “We are not only living out our company’s mission through the annual humanitarian events, but our dealers and employees look forward to this event every year,” said Darin Massner, CEO of Country Maid. “Seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces and knowing you helped brighten their day is rewarding.” Each year Country Maid dealers and employees give back to organizations by participating in a group activity during their dealer conference. They partner with a new organization every year spreading goodwill in many different cities across the United States. For more information on Country Maid or a dealership opportunity, visit www.countrymaid.net or www.butterbraid.com. About Baptist Regional Children’s Center Baptist Regional Children’s Center is a full-service pediatric care center located in San Antonio, Texas at the North Central Baptist Hospital. They provide comprehensive, compassionate pediatric care performed by medical professions who specialize in working with infants and children. Their center has consistently above the 90th percentile in patient satisfaction scores due to their caring team of pediatric nurses and emergency physicians. About Country Maid Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, manufactures the “famous” Butter Braid® brand pastry available only through fundraisers for the purpose of helping non-profit groups raise funds for various causes. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships has helped thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Employing approximately 60 workers from 20 Northwest Iowa communities, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves.” Country Maid featured on Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” segment featuring Butter Braid® pastries Posted: December 10, 2014 West Bend, IA (Dec. 10, 2014) - Country Maid, makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries was featured on Discovery Channel’s How It’s Made braided pastry segment that was aired on the Science Channel November 21, 2014 at 8 p.m. CST. The episode revealed the unique production process in manufacturing the company’s flagship product. How It’s Made takes viewers behind the scenes in factories around the world to show how raw materials are transformed into finished products. The show airs in 130 countries and is broadcast in more than 30 different languages around the world. Country Maid has been manufacturing frozen food products, namely Butter Braid brand pastries, since 1991 for the fundraising industry. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has been able to help thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Country Maid announces air date of Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” segment featuring Butter Braid® pastries Posted: November 14, 2014 West Bend, IA (Nov. 11, 2014) - Country Maid, makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries has announced the upcoming airdate for the Discovery Channel’s How It’s Made braided pastry segment, featuring Butter Braid brand pastries. The episode will reveal the unique production process in manufacturing the company’s flagship product. The segment on Butter Braid braided pastry will air on the Science Channel/Discovery Channel November 21, 2014 at 8 p.m. CST. Check the Discovery Channel’s website http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/tv-schedule.htm and your local listings to verify the airdate in case there are any programming changes. How It’s Made takes viewers behind the scenes in factories around the world to show how raw materials are transformed into finished products. The show airs in 130 countries and is broadcast in more than 30 different languages around the world. Country Maid has been manufacturing frozen food products, namely Butter Braid brand pastries, since 1991 for the fundraising industry. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has been able to help thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Country Maid Achieves SQF Level 2 Certification Posted: October 17, 2014 West Bend, IA (Oct. 15, 2014) - Country Maid, Inc., makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries announces they have been awarded the Safe Quality Food (SQF) - Level 2 Certification under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a globally trusted, recognized, and accepted food safety and quality program. SQF certification provides assurance that the products sold by certified manufactures have passed rigorous international standards for food safety and quality. Products produced and manufactured under the SQF certification retain a high degree of acceptance in global markets by retailers, consumer brands, and foodservice providers. “Our implementation of this globally recognized food safety program reinforces Country Maid’s commitment to deliver safe food to the marketplace,” said Steve Melnyk, Vice President of Manufacturing. To achieve SQF certification, suppliers complete extensive training; develop, document, and implement food safety and quality plans; and undergo a third-party audit. The audit process evaluates a company’s food safety and quality programs that include cleaning and sanitation, personnel practices, and plant maintenance. Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, manufactures the “famous” Butter Braid® brand pastry available only through fundraisers for the purpose of helping non-profit groups raise funds for various causes. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships has helped thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Employing approximately 60 workers from 20 Northwest Iowa communities, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves.” Governor Branstad Visits Country Maid and Tries Hand at Braiding Pastry Dough Posted: August 21, 2014 West Bend, IA (Aug. 21, 2014) - Country Maid, makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries hosted Governor Branstad at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Bend on Wednesday afternoon. This visit was made possible with help from the Kossuth/Palo Alto Economic Development Corporation. The Governor spent the afternoon meeting employees and learning more about the company and the products made. During the plant tour, the Governor even tried his hand at braiding pastry dough on the production line, which he says is harder than it looks. Following the tour, Branstad spoke with employees about programs and incentives his office has developed to attract sustainable businesses to Iowa and also help small businesses such as Country Maid grow. Every year the Governor and Lieutenant Governor visit all 99 Iowa counties and are always impressed with the passion of employees and management. “Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I look forward to visiting every county, every year and learning more about the businesses that make rural Iowa vibrant,” said Branstad, “Country Maid, with their commitment to community, helping those less fortunate and military appreciate efforts, is a business Iowans can be proud of.” Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, manufactures the “famous” Butter Braid® brand pastry available only through fundraisers for the purpose of helping non-profit groups raise funds for various causes. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships has helped thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Employing approximately 60 workers, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves.” Butter Braid Brand Family Put Smiles on the Faces of Hospitalized Kids! Posted: August 20, 2014 The Butter Braid Brand Family partnered with Shriners Hospital For Children® for the 2014 humanitarian event. 150 goody bags were packed with toys, crafts and games for the children. Also hand-made get well cards were made for each bag. Five large totes were also donated they were filled with puzzles, books, movies, kits, balls, etc. It was a great afternoon of helping others! Country Maid to be featured on Discovery Channels “How It’s Made” Posted: May 28, 2014 West Bend, IA (May 19, 2014) - Country Maid, makers of the famous Butter Braid® pastries, announces the selection of the company to be featured on Discovery Channel’s acclaimed How It’s Made TV program. The TV crew will be filming inside Country Maid’s state-of-the-art facility in West Bend, Iowa towards the end of May to document how a braided pastry is made. The segment is scheduled to air in mid-2015. “We are excited to let the world know what it takes to make a high quality braided pastry, and to be able to do that on How It’s Made is just the icing on top!” said Darin Massner, CEO of Country Maid. How It’s Made takes viewers behind the scenes in factories around the world to show how raw materials are transformed into finished products. The show airs in 130 countries and is broadcast in more than 30 different languages around the world. Country Maid was selected as a filming destination after making contact with the show’s producers. “How It’s Made was looking to fill their production schedule for early 2014 with Iowa companies that produced some of the ‘most interesting things’. After making contact with the show’s production company and further communications were exchanged, both producers and Country Maid felt it was a perfect fit,” explained Mollie Clark, Marketing Manager at Country Maid. Country Maid has been manufacturing frozen food products, namely Butter Braid® brand pastries, since 1991 for the fundraising industry. Country Maid, together with its national network of dealerships, has been able to help thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $150 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes. Country Maid Partners with Boys and Girls Club of Chicago! Posted: July 10, 2013 Country Maid employees and dealerships from across the country came together for the Annual Dealer Conference in Chicago, IL. While there, to carry out their mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves,” attendees worked to build and donate 40 trikes and wagons and to create uplifting and inspirational greeting cards for the children! Country Maid’s Golden Ticket Sweepstakes Winner Takes Trip! Posted: Febraury 13, 2013 February 8, 2013 – West Bend, IA – Country Maid, Inc. recently hosted the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes winner! Judy Quiter, from Navasota, Texas, was the lucky winner of the Country Maid sponsored, Butter Braid® brand Golden Ticket Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes, which began in 2011 and ended in 2012, was in celebration of both Country Maid’s and the Butter Braid® brand’s 20th Anniversary! Judy, along with her 3 guests, Denise Lovelace, Sherri Dicus, and Amy Kaase arrived in West Bend, IA on Friday, February 1. The first leg of the trip and prize was to see where and how Butter Braid® brand pastries were made. While in West Bend, Judy and guests also visited the Historical Society, the Grotto of Redemption, and a few shops around town before heading to Orlando, Florida for 4 days and 3 nights. The group stayed at Disney’s All-Star Movies resort. Judy’s first experience with Butter Braid® brand pastries was in 2011 when a co-worker’s 4-year-old daughter was selling them for a fundraiser through the daycare. Judy had never heard of Butter Braid® brand pastries before, but purchased two of them. When the pastries were delivered, Judy saw the promotion for the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes. Although there was no golden ticket inside, Judy went online to enter the sweepstakes. Country Maid later notified Judy that she had won following the random drawing among all entrants. Judy and guests are now avid fans of Butter Braid® brand pastries and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the team members at Country Maid, Inc. along with the people and sights of West Bend. Country Maid, Inc., with the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves” has been a part of the West Bend Community for over 20 years. Butter Braid® brand products, manufactured by Country Maid, have been a pillar of quality in the fundraising industry. Together with Country Maid’s national network of fundraising dealerships the company has helped non-profit groups raise over $100 million dollars for worthy causes. Visit the www.countrymaid.net or www.butterbraid.com for more product and/or company details. RUN A FUNDRAISER Featured On: EARN $3,000 Spread the Word Share a life-changing business opportunity with someone you know! Employee Email • Employee ADP How It's Made © 2021 COUNTRY MAID INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Sign In