2019 Processor of the Year: Saputo Inc., a giant in more ways than one
Saputo Inc. is to be admired for its impressive growth via acquisitions, investments in assets and innovation, and commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.
Like all other years in modern history, 1954 saw its share of notable events. It was the year that almost 2 million school children in the United States, Canada and Finland participated in field trials for the new polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk; Roger Bannister of the U.K. became the first person to run a sub-4-minute mile; and actress Marilyn Monroe wed baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.
It was also the year that Dairy Foods’ 2019 Processor of the Year, Montréal-based Saputo Inc., got its start — albeit with considerable less fanfare. After leaving their home town of Montelepre, Italy, a few years earlier to start a new life in Canada, Giuseppe and Maria Saputo, along with their son Lino, began making Italian-style cheeses in a space rented at an existing Montréal cheese factory. Lino Saputo (Saputo Sr.) eventually took on the role of president and CEO.