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Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC), a subsidiary of the Windham Foundation, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company announce the sale of Grafton Village Cheese to Vermont Farmstead.
This news marks a significant milestone in Grafton Village Cheese’s journey as an artisanal cheesemaker and iconic brand. This 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, remarks, “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.” concluded Underwood.
About Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company
Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company was born from a community’s dedication to preserving a local farm and its picturesque rural landscape. In a remarkably short time, the dairy farm evolved into an award-winning cheese company, crafting a new generation of distinctive farmstead and artisanal cheeses. Committed to excellence, the company’s mission is to create a diverse selection of high-quality artisanal cheeses while thoughtfully nurturing the land and animals in its care.
About the Windham Foundation
The Windham Foundation, based in Grafton, VT, strives to enhance economic, cultural, and civic life in [rural] Vermont. As an operating foundation, it has stewarded the Grafton Village Cheese Company for over a half-century as a commercial enterprise aligned with this mission. The Grafton Inn continues to be a vital part of the Windham Foundation’s mission as a thriving Grafton enterprise and a center for community engagement. Learn more about the Windham Foundation at www.windham-foundation.org.
