Websterville, Vt. – Vermont Creamery earned one of the food industry’s most coveted awards this month at the annual Whole Foods Market Supplier Awards. The recipient of the Excellence in Cheese award, Vermont Creamery was recognized for its “commitment to amazing quality products” and its “contribution to sustainable agriculture” through Ayers Brook Farm, the country’s first demonstration goat dairy.
The awards are the grocer’s highest honor for producer partners and spotlight natural and organic suppliers who best embody Whole Foods Market’s mission and core values.
“The relationship between Vermont Creamery and Whole Foods Market stretches back 28 years, when our goat cheese made its debut on their shelves in Boston,” said Allison Hooper, co-owner and co-founder of Vermont Creamery. “They supported us back then where we were barely known, and again last year with a Local Producer Loan to help get the Ayers Brook Goat Dairy off the ground. We would not be where we are today without our friends at Whole Foods Market.”
Vermont Creamery was one of only 19 recipients of this year’s Supplier Awards. Fewer than 50 natural and organic supplier partners have been recognized with this prestigious honor to date. Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts who work side-by-side with hundreds of national suppliers to bring products to market carefully selected awardees.
“Vermont Creamery is one of the key companies that led the establishment of the American cheese movement in the United States, and Allison, Bob and the Vermont Creamery team are great producer partners,” said Cathy Strange, global cheese buyer for Whole Foods Market. “The company continues to innovate with exceptional products, its maturation and facility design, inclusive employee development and a commitment to local farming through the development of the Ayers Brook training facility. Its recognition by B Corp as an exceptional business model is a meaningful differentiator as well.”
In addition to the Excellence in Cheese award, Whole Foods Market recognized the cream-of-the-crop supplier partners in 16 other categories that span several areas of achievement, including product innovation, environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing and excellence in quality standards and assurance.
“At Whole Foods Market, we live and breathe our core values, and one of those values is creating win-win relationships with our suppliers. We’re excited to spotlight our outstanding suppliers whose shared passion, hard work and true partnership is helping us set the industry standard – for quality, ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and more,” said Jim Speirs, global vice-president of procurement, non-perishables.
About Vermont Creamery
For 30 years, Vermont Creamery has combined the European tradition of cheesemaking with Vermont’s terroir. The company’s line of fresh and aged goat cheese, cultured butter and crème fraîche has earned over 100 national and international awards. B Corp Certified in 2014, Vermont Creamery supports a network of 15 family farms and promotes sustainable agriculture through Ayers Brook Farm, the country’s first demonstration goat dairy. For more information, visit www.vermontcreamery.com.
Source: Vermont Creamery
