South Mountain Creamery, a farmer-owned and operated creamery, implemented strategic growth plans for home grocery delivery, wholesale, family-friendly experiences at its farm in Middletown, Md. 

For more than 40 years, three generations of the Sowers-Brusco family have been working together to produce quality dairy and farm products offered through South Mountain Creamery. In a time when it is increasingly difficult for family-owned businesses to remain operational, South Mountain Creamery is proud to see the continuation and growth of a legacy rooted in farming and quality food as they look to the future of its business.

"Our roots have always been deeply agricultural, and our focus will continue to center on responsible and sustainable farming practices, family, and connecting good food to good people through the passion of our team and the quality of our farm-fresh products," said Tony Brusco, CEO, South Mountain Creamery.

South Mountain Creamery's home delivery service brings its farm-fresh milk, ice cream, butter, and beverages to homes across a wide territory, along with an ever-growing lineup of local meats, produce, and other products from like-minded farm partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Mountain Creamery saw significant expansion of their existing service as consumers faced grocery shortages. As customers shifted their shopping habits, the influx of new delivery routes helped build upon South Mountain Creamer's already successful business.

In the years following, strategic acquisitions of Washington Green Grocer, 4P Foods, and Oberweis Dairy east coast home delivery routes further fueled their expansion. These new routes allowed South Mountain Creamery to deepen their presence in existing markets, extend their reach significantly further south, and cater to a growing demand for organic grocery options within their established territories. This expansion allowed them to hire additional employees, growing from 162 to 198 over three years, and they now offer home delivery routes in the following territories: Maryland, D.C., and West Virginia; Delaware and Pennsylvania; Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads; and North Carolina.

Through their home delivery service, South Mountain Creamery champions local agriculture by sourcing a diverse range of products from regional producers thanks to strong partnerships with farmers and small businesses. Currently, 93 individual farmers and businesses are supported through this partnership model. This gives home delivery customers access to a rich selection of high-quality, in-season, and locally made goods, including South Mountain Creamery staples like milk, butter, and eggs. Their dedication to partnering with small and family-owned businesses supports a shorter, more stable supply chain and fresher foods for families seeking healthy options.

During the pandemic, South Mountain Creamery also acquired the Trickling Springs Organic milk operation and bottling plant, enabling them to introduce an organic line of milk sourced through an organic co-op in Pennsylvania. The acquisition also facilitated a substantial increase in ice cream production following the installation of new equipment at the Pennsylvania plant, and notably, allowed the company to re-employ individuals who had been laid off when the plant originally closed.

With home delivery and wholesale combined, South Mountain Creamery sold a total of 1.9M gallons of milk in 2022––and in 2024 that number rose to 2.9M gallons of milk. Today, after adding the organic milk line and expanding ice cream production capabilities, South Mountain Creamery can support their new wholesale footprint which extends beyond their initial distribution regions. Customers can find their products in Wegmans, Fresh Market, MOM's Organic Market, Harris Teeter, and a range of independent grocers and farm stores from Virginia to Vermont. Their presence in sports venues has grown, too—with partnerships including Camden Yards in Baltimore and Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.—bringing their ice cream to an even wider audience.