NEW ORLEANS, LA -- The National Food & Beverage Foundation recently added Falcon Rice Mill to its National Culinary Heritage Register, a list of culinary products, processes, inventions, traditions, and establishments that are at least fifty years old and have contributed significantly to the development of American foodways.
The mill, located in Crowley, Louisiana, has been owned by the same family throughout its 75 years in business. Founded in 1942 as a seed rice business, the Falcon family installed a milling operation in 1950 and started selling rice under several brand names including the popular Cajun Country brand of long, medium, whole grain brown, jasmine, and popcorn rice.
“Falcon Rice Mill came to our attention as we tried to find facilities other than restaurants and groceries that have contributed to the food of America,” said Liz Williams, president of the National Food & Beverage Foundation. “And we are so happy to include them in the Register because for years they have been helping America eat.”
“When Liz Williams approached me about the Culinary Heritage Register it was a huge honor,” Trahan said. “The designation not only acknowledges the fact that we’re a big part of the Cajun culture but also puts us in impressive company when you look at who else is represented from Louisiana. You’re talking about world-famous places like Antoine’s, Tujague’s, and the French Market. It also helps us tell our story because our customers really appreciate knowing we’ve been around a long time, our products are time-tested, and we’re devoted to quality.”
The Culinary Heritage Register is available
online and is intended to be a database for future researchers looking for companies around the country who are sustaining contributors to the food of America.