Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. acquires Grafton Village Cheese Co.

Combined cheese company will optimize operations and create efficiencies.

Mariano Gonzalez, Head Cheesemaker, Grafton Village Cheese Co., left, and Kent Underwood, President and COO at Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, at the Vermont Farmstead in South Woodstock, Vt. Photo courtesy of Vermont Farmstead Cheese.

Grafton Village Cheese Co. (GVCC), Grafton, Vt., a subsidiary of the Windham Foundation, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. announce the sale of Grafton Village Cheese to Vermont Farmstead.

The news marks a significant milestone in Grafton Village Cheese’s journey as an artisanal cheesemaker and iconic brand. The company notes that the strategic move is driven by mutual goals for the long-term success and health of GVCC, a commitment to preserving the rich traditions of artisanal cheese production in Vermont, and a passion for Vermont’s agriculture industry. The team at Vermont Farmstead is investing in GVCC to help ensure this vision remains real.

“In combining the strengths of Vermont Farmstead Cheese and Grafton Village Cheese, our goal is to create a dynamic company that honors the unique identities of each brand,” noted Kent Underwood, President/COO of Vermont Farmstead. “Creating a singular organization enables us to leverage our collective expertise, optimize operations, and create efficiencies across all areas of our business - from cheesemaking to marketing and distribution.”

Current Grafton Village CEO, Curt Alpeter, remarked, “Vermont Farmstead will be a wonderful steward of the GVCC brand by retaining cheesemaking in Grafton and by maintaining the distinctive nature of both brands, as each represents values and craftsmanship cherished by our customers.”

Both companies noted that the Grafton brand holds a significant place in the history of Vermont cheesemaking, and Vermont Farmstead’s leadership embraces the responsibility of ensuring the brand’s stability and future success. “As we move forward, we remain committed to our quality, to our local dairy farmers and cows, and to the community spirit that have distinguished both companies.” Underwood concluded.