UK's Dairy Crestis buying rivalExpress Dairiesfor about $60 million (US) in an effort to secure the future of its declining milk delivery business. The acquisition will make Dairy Crest, maker of Clover spread and Cathedral City cheddar, Britain's biggest milk delivery service with two million customers and a market share of 45%. The news came late last month just a few days after Dairy Crest said its chief executive, Drummond Hall would step down at year's end.
The owners of the farm implicated in last year'sWashington state E. coli outbreakplan to appeal the $8,000 fine levied against them, arguing that they do not need a license to distribute unpasteurized "raw" milk.Anita and Michael Puckettcame to attention for their participation in the controversial cow-share program. Eighteen people, including five children, became ill after consuming E. coli-tainted milk later traced back to the farm.
Coinciding with the 23rd annual international conference and competition of the American Cheese Society, Oregon's state cheesemakers have launched theOregon Cheese Guild. The organization is the first of its kind in the state and is dedicated to the art and process of making cheese. Inaugural members includeAncient Heritage, Fraga Farms, Juniper Grove, Oregon Gourmet Cheeses, Pholia Farms, Queseria, Rogue Creamery, Three Ring Farm, Tillamook County Creamery Association, Tumalo Farms, and Willamette Valley Cheese Co.
