Land O’Lakes acquires Vermont Creamery in US

Food company Land O'Lakes has acquired Vermont Creamery, a US-based firm that manufactures fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter and crème fraîche products.

Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed by either company.

Vermont Creamery co-founder Allison Hooper said: "We have always taken seriously our commitment to our farmers, employees and Vermont's working landscape, these values are at the core of our decision to sell the business.

"As we experience unprecedented growth, we need a partner who can bring the resources and expertise necessary to help us realise our vision and the potential of our business."

With this acquisition, Vermont Creamery will now operate as an independent subsidiary of Minnesota-based Land O'Lakes, and continue to manufacture dairy products at its creamery in Websterville, Vermont, US.

Ayers Brook Goat Dairy has not been included in the transaction.

Land O'Lakes president and CEO Chris Policinski said: "We purchased Vermont Creamery and welcome them to the Land O'Lakes family because we love their brand and would like to help bring it to even more people.

"We share a value-added, branded approach to marketing our products, a meaningful respect for our customers and deeply rooted rural values."

Vermont Creamery co-founder Allison Hooper and Bob Reese will serve as advisers and brand ambassadors for the business.

The Hooper family will retain ownership of the farm, and continue supply to the creamery and catalyst for the growth of the goat dairy industry in Vermont.

Vermont Creamery president Adeline Druart said: "Bob and Allison have been such incredible entrepreneurs building Vermont Creamery's success and mentoring the team on their vision and values for the business.

“Partnering with Land O'Lakes adds the next key ingredients for our growth: additional resources and dairy expertise. This transaction positions Vermont Creamery for continued success in the future."

Druart and along with its leadership team and employees will continue in the business.

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Image: Piece of cheese. Photo: courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography via freedigitalphotos.net.