Defining Moments
As the cooperative grew, the Westby Creamery began to produce the majority of its product for Dean's Foods, with Dean's providing important distribution for cottage cheese. However, in 1992, Dean's pulled out leaving newly appointed General Manager Tom Gronemus and the local farmer-producers without a bread-and-butter label.
But with nearly 90 years of experience and reputation behind them, the Cooperative contracted with other private labels while also beginning the arduous task of developing its own WESTBY brand. The Creamery broadened its product line to include cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese curds in addition to their original product, butter.
Westby, Wisconsin, 1942.
Making cheddar cheese at the cooperative creamery.
|
