Vermont Creamery co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, will receive Specialty Food Association Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2024 SFA Awards Gala on June 24. This award recognizes their pioneering contributions to the specialty food industry, their commitment to quality, and their dedication to sustainable practices and community support.

Founded in 1984, Vermont Creamery is built on a steadfast commitment to create the highest-quality and most delicious dairy. What began as a chance encounter and a big idea to bring French-style goat cheese to Americans quickly evolved into Vermont Creamery and its flagship product, fresh chèvre. 

Vermont Creamery has also grown from just two employees to more than 120 employees and has doubled its physical footprint at its Creamery in Websterville, Vt., with an expansion in 2019 that allowed continued growth and innovation.

“Vermont Creamery began as a passion for quality cheese and a belief that we could create delicious, artisanal dairy while making a positive impact on all our stakeholders,” said Hooper. “Over the past 40 years, Vermont Creamery has continued to innovate and perfect its craft while embracing the Vermont spirit and mission that makes Vermont Creamery so special.” 

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Vermont Creamery also announced Hooper, its first washed rind, donut-shaped cheese, to be released later this year. 

“Vermont Creamery has always been synonymous with high quality and great taste, and we’re inspired to continue building on the tradition of craftsmanship that was key to Bob and Allison’s vision,” said Harrison Kahn, general manager, Vermont Creamery. “Backed by the dedication and passion of our employees, we continue to strive for excellence and innovation in the industry. Previewing a new aged goat cheese honoring Allison’s influence on the cheese world is the perfect encapsulation of our 40th anniversary milestone and the exciting 40 years ahead.”