Minerva Dairy, Minerva, Ohio, said it celebrated 125 years of butter-making in 2019. The family-owned-and-operated creamery has been marking the milestone in myriad ways.
For one, the logo and packaging of its 85% butterfat, slow-churned Amish butter now has a new look. The updated packaging features stylized retro graphics and a contemporary feel that can be easily spotted on the grocery store shelf, Minerva Dairy said.
In early 2020, the company will launch a 1-pound version of its 2-pound hand-rolled butter. This new product will be in addition to Minerva’s popular 8-ounce carton containing two 4-ounce sticks. Minerva Dairy said it also has been strengthening its distribution and availability throughout 2019, particularly in the Southeast region.
Siblings Venae Watts and Adam Mueller represent the fifth generation of Minerva Dairy ownership. Between their two families, there are a dozen more descendants making up generation No. 6, some of whom are now, too, involved in the business.
“Each generation has learned from the previous one,” notes Watts. “We’ve all been living the butter life, because our butter is our pride and joy. That’s what keeps us growing.”
Minerva said it uses only farm-fresh milk from pasture-raised cows and natural ingredients to turn out a time-tested product that ensures the best quality and flavor. Its trademark slow-churning process, traps less air in the butter it makes, compared to the amount of air trapped using high-speed churns. With less trapped air and more butterfat content than other brands, the result is a creamier, richer, more-flavorful product.