J.C. Bell, founder of Bell Plantation Inc. and pioneer of the original powdered peanut butter – known as PB2 –announces the appointment of Craig S. Entwistle as the company's chief executive officer, with ownership in the company.

PB2 heads an extensive lineup of product innovations from Bell Plantation that are available in approximately 45,000 retail outlets across the United States.  The company, which is headquartered in Tifton, also has been marketing its products online and in emerging markets around the world.

Known as the original powdered peanut butter, PB2 can be mixed with water or other liquids to create peanut butter without the calories and fat.  In addition to being all-natural and certified gluten-free, the product has been certified kosher by the Orthodox Union.

"PB2 is an innovative, winning product that consumers love – its introduction was so successful, we saw an immediate influx of competitors and 'me-too' brands into the marketplace," said Bell.  "We now have to ensure we keep our dominance in this space, and I'm extremely grateful to have a food industry leader and seasoned veteran like Craig Entwistle to lead us in the right direction.  He has 29 years of food sales and corporate leadership expertise, and I'm confident he is the right person to move us ahead."

Bell Plantation's extensive lineup of products includes the original powdered peanut butter, chocolate powered peanut butter, traditional peanut butter offerings, gluten-free PBThins crispy crackers, and extra virgin roasted peanut oil.  "We have the best-tasting products on the market, and we also are examining additional opportunities beyond peanuts," Bell confided.

"J.C. is a remarkable product innovator, and I couldn't be more thrilled to join him in moving this company forward," said Entwistle.  "We have extensive opportunities to grow the brand and this product category, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves to help build on the success J.C. already has achieved with this outstanding organization."

A native of South Africa, Entwistle resides on St. Simons Island, Georgia.  He and his wife, Leslie, have four grown children.  General manufacturing operations for Bell Plantation will continue to be based in Tifton, while the executive team leading sales, marketing, finance and accounting activity under Entwistle will be transitioned to St. Simons Island.