GRAFTON, Vt. – The Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC), a subsidiary of the Windham Foundation, has recently been purchased by the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, located in South Woodstock.
The award-winning Grafton Village Cheese Company is well-known for its important significance in the history of Vermont cheesemaking, something that Vermont Farmstead takes to heart moving forward, understanding the significance of maintaining the brand’s quality, stability, and success.
We have had a collaborative working relationship with Grafton Village Cheese for over 12 years now,” Kent Underwood said in a recent interview. Underwood is the COO of Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company. “Last fall, after the Windham Foundation had put the business on the market, we began talks, with the final transaction happening in the middle of April.”
The Windham Foundation, also based in Grafton, has stewarded the Grafton Village Cheese Company for more than 50 years as a commercial enterprise. This recent transaction is an important milestone for Grafton Village Cheese, as they strive for long-term growth, a continued commitment to excellence, and preserving the longstanding traditions of the artisan cheesemaker.
Combining the two successful companies to create a single organization creates a unique dynamic that will honor and execute the traditions of both companies. It will also allow for sharing their expertise and processes, optimizing their operations, and creating all-around efficiency throughout the business, including everything from the cheesemaking, to sales and marketing, to distribution.
“This acquisition positions us for sustainable growth, while ensuring that our cheesemaking heritage remains in the forefront,” Underwood said. “Production will continue at both the Grafton facility, and our Vermont Farmstead creamery in South Woodstock.”
The two brands will continue to keep their brand packaging separate, as both cheesemakers have flagship cheddars, as well as multiple award-winning cheeses. Grafton Village Cheese will continue to make their cheese in Grafton, while running their packing, shipping, and retail location in Proctorsville. Vermont Farmstead Cheese has their packing and shipping operation based in Windsor. Both operations get their cow’s milk from local farms, while Grafton’s sheep’s milk comes from farms in upstate New York.
“Vermont Farmstead will be a wonderful steward of the GVCC brand,” Curt Alpeter, CEO of Grafton Village Cheese, recently stated, “by retaining cheesemaking in Grafton, and by maintaining the transaction and distinctive nature of both brands, as each represents values and craftsmanship cherished by our customers.”