Massachusetts Thanksgiving staple missing from store shelves this season

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A Massachusetts-based company, offering Thanksgiving staples, has changed ownership resulting in a loss of production.

Bell's traditional stuffing, which comes in the red box, will not be on store shelves this Thanksgiving, said in a statement sent to 22News from Bender Group PR.

Bell's Brand has been a staple for over 150 years founded by William G. Bell. The company is located in East Weymouth, Mass. Ships from around the world would help carry ingredients into the Boston Harbor.

When should you start grocery shopping for Thanksgiving?

Their seasoning, Gravy, Brine, and Onions, is one of America's oldest spices. and over time Bell's expanded to include stuffing, gravy, and additional holiday favorites.

Their financial challenges have caused their products to become in danger of vanishing as production halted. Three entrepreneurs have acquired the brand and are now under Bell's Food LLC , formerly Bell's Brand.

"When we learned that the Bell's brand was in danger of vanishing, we knew we had to step in," said Dave West, one of the new owners of Bell's Foods LLC. "As a New England native, Bell's seasoning and stuffing were an integral part of my family's Thanksgiving. We are honored to step in as stewards of this historic brand, ensuring it continues to be a part of holiday celebrations for generations to come."

The new owners reinstated its manufacturing and have announced that the seasoning is now back on shelves. However, the Bell's stuffing product, in the red box, is not going to be ready in time for this year's Thanksgiving.

West said "We're thrilled to have these key Bell's products available again, but due to the timing of the acquisition, we regret to announce that Bell's Stuffing will not be available for the 2024 holiday season. We understand how important this product is to our loyal customers, and we share their disappointment. However, we are fully committed to bringing Bell's Stuffing back to stores in time for next year's holiday season."

"We've been working around the clock to restore Bell's products," said Bell's Foods General Manager Michael Dellemonico. "While re-establishing manufacturing on such a tight timeline presented challenges, we're confident that all of Bell's products will be back in stock by early 2025, and certainly in time for next Thanksgiving."

Bell's stuffing is expected to become available in early 2025.

Local News Headlines Massachusetts Thanksgiving staple missing from store shelves this season AIC launches online master's programs in health and sports fields Portion of Mass Pike closed in Chicopee due to crash Post Malone to perform with Jelly Roll at Gillette Stadium WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.