Land O’ Lakes Buys Artisanal Cheese Firm Vermont Creamery

Maker of artisanal goat cheeses Vermont Creamery will soon operate as an independent subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes Inc. after the Arden Hills, MN food company acquired the Websterville, VT-based cheesemaker for undisclosed terms, Land O’ Lakes announced Wednesday.

“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,” said Land O’ Lakes president and chief executive officer Chris Policinski in a statement. “We share a value-added, branded approach to marketing our products, a meaningful respect for our customers and deeply rooted rural values.”

Founded in 1984, Vermont Creamery produces goat cheese, crème fraiche, and cultured butter and distributes its products on a national level. Company officials said the sale to Land O’ Lakes was prompted by a desire to expand its business.

“As we experience unprecedented growth, we need a partner who can bring the resources and expertise necessary to help us realize our vision and the potential of our business,” said Vermont Creamery co-founder Allison Hooper in the release.

The firm’s other co-founder, Bob Reese, echoed Hooper’s sentiments.

“After years of thoughtful planning and a rigorous selection process, we are confident that we have found the best steward of our business, values, and people in Land O’ Lakes. We are both respected dairy brands with deep connections to farmers and an unyielding commitment to quality and innovation. We look forward to this opportunity to tell our story more broadly and increase access to our high-quality dairy products,” said Reese.

Land O’ Lakes said production of Vermont Creamery products will continue at the firm’s Vermont facility. Reese and Hooper will serve as advisors and brand ambassadors, with the Hooper family holding ownership of the farm.

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