Jordan R. Uttal, a founder and past president of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA), died on November 15 at Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas. He was born July 30, 1915 in New York City.

Uttal had a 50-year career as a respected leader in the cheese industry, retiring in 1980 from the Purity Cheese division of Anderson Clayton/Kraft Foods. His leadership was recognized with numerous awards. He served as president of the International Cheese and Deli Association (now the IDDBA) 1970-71, was a founder and president of the American Blue Cheese Association and a director of the National Cheese Institute. He loved cheese and made many friends in his years in our industry.

A veteran of World War II, Uttal enlisted as a private in December 1941 and served in the Army Air Force in England. He married Joyce, a Red Cross field director at the air base, in 1944. He returned to civilian life in November 1945 with the rank of Major and numerous military honors and decorations. In October 1948, Uttal co-founded the Second Air Division Association as a memorial to those who served. A library was established in Norwich, England and is currently endowed by the Association. He served as president twice and was Honorary Life Governor.

Uttal was a kind and generous man and will be missed.


Information on IDDBA’s research, education and other industry activities are available on its Web site, www.iddba.org, or by calling 608/310-5000. Now in its 46th year, IDDBA specializes in promoting the dairy, deli, cheese and bakery industries. Member companies enjoy many benefits and services including the annual seminar and expo, leading-edge research, video and computer-based training programs, management tools, an annual trends report and a member directory of key industry contacts.