Canadian dairy cooperative Gay Lea Foods has entered into an agreement to acquire the business of Stirling Creamery, building on its existing butter operation in Ontario and supporting the cooperative’s plan to create sustainable, long-term solutions for growth within the Canadian dairy industry.
Ontario-based Stirling Creamery is known for its range of artisan butters, including Churn 84 European-style butters, whey butter, Stirling premium balls, and a variety of flavoured medallions and spreads for foodservice applications.
Through the acquisition of Stirling Creamery, Gay Lea Foods will add these premium butter collections to the Gay Lea Foods product mix, further increase its production capacity, and support its core principle concern for investment in rural communities. The deal will also provide Gay Lea Foods with added flexibility to meet customer needs in the high-demand market for butter, and will take effect from the start of next month.
Steve Dolson, chair of Gay Lea Foods, said: “Stirling Creamery, like our cooperative, has a strong and rich history in the province of Ontario. With this acquisition, we continue the tradition of supporting family farms in Ontario while further strengthening Gay Lea Foods’ presence in the Canadian dairy industry.”
Stirling Creamery CEO Mark Peters said: “Today’s announcement is an exciting next chapter for Stirling Creamery, bringing together two companies with a shared commitment to producing high-quality dairy products while working to enrich the lives of their employees, members, neighbours and communities. We look forward to working with Gay Lea Foods as Stirling Creamery becomes part of this successful and growing Canadian cooperative.”
And Gay Lea Foods president and CEO Michael Barrett added: “Gay Lea Foods is committed to growing the market for Canadian dairy and we are pleased to welcome such a well-respected brand into our dairy cooperative. We look forward to new opportunities as we continue to focus on growing a strong, sustainable dairy industry that delivers innovative, market-driven dairy products.”
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