Bareman Dairy, Holland, Mich., received the Member of the Year award from the All Star Dairy Association at its 54th annual convention, which was held Feb. 29 to March 4 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.
Cheddar Cheese prices received for U.S. 40-pound blocks averaged $1.51 per pound for the week, up 1.8 cents. The price for U.S. 500-pound barrels adjusted to 38% moisture averaged $1.55 per pound, up 4.9 cents.
Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, has acquired the plant operations at Bareman's Dairy, a local family owned company based in Holland, Mich. Meijer's move into dairy production will also include a more than $8 million investment to expand the Bareman's dairy plant in Holland, Mich.
Associated Milk Producers Inc. achieved sales of $2 billion last year. The 2011 performance marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in both consumer-packaged butter and cheese. The cooperative’s butter business increased 22 percent and packaged cheese sales climbed 43 percent in five years.
Butter prices received for 25-kilogram and 68-pound boxes meeting United States Department of Agriculture Grade AA standards averaged $1.44 per pound for the week ending March 17.
Each flavor made by Salt & Straw Ice Cream includes local, organic and sustainable ingredients. The Portland, Ore.-based company opened in May 2011 with the goal of featuring the “best Oregon has to offer, through ice cream.” The owners call their business a “farm-to-cone” company.