Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited has reached an agreement to acquire Hewitt’s Dairy, effective 1 November 2014. Hewitt’s, a family owned and operated processor in Hagersville, Ontario, has been in the dairy industry for over 125 years.
“With this acquisition, we continue the Ontario tradition of the family farm,” said Gay Lea Foods chair Paul Vickers. “Hewitt’s Dairy, like our cooperative, began with a farmer providing fresh milk to local families, and expanded its dedication to rural communities over the course of many years.”
“Hewitt’s Dairy and Gay Lea Foods have two strong and rich histories in the province of Ontario,” said Hewitt’s owner and president, Marie Hewitt. “I know Gay Lea Foods is committed to the dream our family created; to our loyal employees, to our valued customers, to our quality dairy goat producers, and to the community in which we live.”
Fresh from a country dairy, Hewitt’s Dairy produces milk, cream, sour cream, cultured beverages, yogurt and a full range of dairy goat products. The processor specialises in processing and co-packing niche products. It also offers a selection of more than 100 flavours of regular ice cream, sugar-free and low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and goat ice cream at its dairy bar.
“This acquisition will expand Gay Lea’s presence in the Ontario dairy marketplace and increase the diversity of our basket of goods,” said Michael Barrett, president and CEO of Gay Lea Foods. “We look forward to new opportunities as we welcome such a well-respected brand to our cooperative.”
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