In episode 32 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast, Ryan Gillespie, vice president of marketing at Plymouth, Wis.-based Sartori Cheese, discusses food service and retail. 

Gillespie leads Sartori’s marketing, innovation, and export sales. He joined Sartori in 2010. Gillespie held progressive roles supporting growth and innovation across Sartori’s retail and food service segments before joining the company’s leadership team in 2020.  

He is passionate about sharing Sartori’s award-winning cheese with consumers across the globe. Today, he combines his knowledge of the industry and consumer understanding to help shape Sartori’s long-term strategic vision.   

A Midwest native, Gillespie holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of work, Gillespie is a passionate home chef and the proud father of two girls. 

During this podcast, Gillespie talks about:

  • The history of Sartori, which dates back to 1939.
  • Sartori’s keys to its tremendous success in the retail channel.
  • What steps Sartori makes to ensure retailers know the story of its award-winning cheese and to make sure its products are best displayed.
  • The logistics and steps involved for a processor to get its products into retail outlets.
  • Advice to impart upon processors who are looking into the possibility of selling their products at retail. What factors must they consider before making this move?

For access to more podcast episodes, click here.