Based out of Prince Edward County, the company makes exquisite cheddars and mozzarellas.
We know what a local company means to its community, so Black River Cheese will continue to serve its customers in the county, and the rest of us at grocery stores.
In May, Gay Lea Foods announced the addition of Black River Cheese Company to the Gay Lea family.
This acquisition further strengthens the Co-operative’s presence in the Canadian cheese sector as an award-winning artisan cheese maker, producing a wide variety of cheeses for retail and foodservice under current cheese brands, Salerno and Ivanhoe.
Gay Lea remains committed to the Black River Cheese brand, its unique flavour and variety of cheeses. This is what consumers trust and love as Black River Cheese. Rural Ontario is important to Gay Lea Foods Co-Operative and we look forward to building on our presence in the local community and maintaining the uniqueness and history of the Black River brand. This is why we are committed to maintaining the local store and the level of service that patrons have come to expect.
Gay Lea Foods chairman of the board Steve Dolson said: “Gay Lea Foods is committed to growing the market for Canadian dairy and strengthening dairy farmers’ ability to secure markets for our milk. We are pleased to welcome the Black River Cheese Company into our dairy co-operative as part of our continued support for the Canadian dairy industry and Ontario dairy farmers.”
Gay Lea Foods president and CEO Michael Barrett said: "As Ontario’s largest dairy Co-operative, we are focused on growing a strong, sustainable dairy industry that continues to deliver innovative, market-driven dairy products, while further diversifying the Canadian cheese sector.”