Richard Graeter

Richard A. Graeter is President and CEO of Graeter’s Ice Cream, a fifth‑generation, family‑owned company renowned for its uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. Carrying forward a legacy that began in 1870, Richard remains steadfastly devoted to Graeter’s signature French Pot process: hand‑crafting ice cream in small batches using an artisanal method now practiced exclusively by Graeter’s. 

Since becoming CEO in 2007, Richard has guided the company through thoughtful expansion across the Midwest while preserving the integrity and quality that define the brand. Under his leadership, Graeter’s opened a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in 2010, later named Dairy Foods Magazine’s Plant of the Year, dramatically increasing capacity while maintaining traditional production techniques. Today, dozens of French Pot freezers run daily to meet growing national demand. 

Richard’s leadership has earned wide recognition, including induction into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame and the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association Hall of Fame. A champion of family enterprise and long‑term stewardship, Richard continues to lead Graeter’s with a belief that extraordinary food—made the right way—creates lasting joy across generations.