Honeyville, Inc. is a Utah-based food company with a legacy stretching back to 1951, rooted deeply in entrepreneurship, compassion, and a commitment to service. Its story is a remarkable one, blending the tragedy of World War II, the resilience of its founder, and the enduring success of an American business that continues to thrive today, almost seventy-five years after its founding. At the center of Honeyville’s legacy is Lowell Sherratt Sr., who not only built a business but also played a pivotal role in saving Japanese American families from internment and forging new beginnings with them in rural Utah.
During World War II, the United States government ordered the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans from the West Coast, uprooting thousands from their homes and businesses. At the time, Lowell Sherratt Sr. was working as a citrus salesman in Southern California. Witnessing the unjust suffering caused by internment, Sherratt decided to take action. He moved his family to Utah, a place with more open arms for Japanese American families, and actively helped several Japanese American families escape the camps, bringing them inland from California, where opportunities were limited and fear was rampant.
By relocating to Utah and aiding resettlement, Sherratt offered these families a new start. Many found work in agriculture and grain processing, leveraging skills and work ethic honed under harsh conditions. The Japanese American community became a vital part of the local economy in northern Utah, participating in farm life, milling, and other rural enterprises.
With a spirit of optimism and determination, Lowell Sherratt Sr. bought a struggling grain mill in Honeyville, Utah. The building had a long history dating back to 1917, but it was in need of revitalization. Sherratt’s entrepreneurial drive led him to transform the rundown mill into a thriving operation, Honeyville Grain and Elevator, later known simply as Honeyville Inc. The business quickly flourished, especially as Sherratt built a custom grain cracker to supply cracked wheat for a large customer, demonstrating the creativity and problem-solving attitude that would define Honeyville for decades to come.
Japanese American families found meaningful work at the new operation. Together, they helped build the business from the ground up, contributing to milling, logistics, and expanding production lines over the years. Despite disaster striking, the mill was targeted by arson and burned to the ground, Sherratt rebuilt, using his own craftsmanship and the support of loyal workers, including many Japanese Americans who were grateful for a chance at a new life.
Throughout the decades, Honeyville grew from a humble grain mill into a national leader in food ingredients and manufacturing. The company now operates multiple facilities across Utah, Arizona, and Southern California, manufacturing and distributing grains, baking mixes, flour, specialty blends, and more. Honeyville’s focus on innovation, developing unique formulas, custom blends, and offering private-label co-packaging, allowed it to partner with major food brands and expand internationally.
As a co-manufacturer and ingredient supplier, Honeyville delivers solutions for food companies needing procurement, processing, and logistics support. Its TempSURE® heat-treatment process, retail store channels, and robust distribution capabilities have made it a full-spectrum provider for both businesses and consumers. Family leadership has been instrumental in guiding growth while upholding Sherratt’s original principles: integrity, dependability, and service above self.
After the passing of Lowell Sherratt Jr. in 2018, Honeyville appointed its first non-family CEO, and the current leadership includes CEO David Brown and other non-family executives, while the Sherratt family continues as owners and board members. The company continues to work with local farmers and specialty food producers across Utah and beyond, supplying premium grains, mixes, and food ingredients to partners across the nation. Honeyville’s expansion into retail, blending, co-manufacturing, and logistics has enabled it to remain competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving food industry. (Source: Honeyville, thebossmagazine)
