Business Leelanau Cheese awarded grant to expand capacity

Leelanau Cheese awarded grant to expand capacity

LANSING – The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, has awarded over $3.5 million in grants to 44 recipients, including two Michigan companies.

“The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance’s support helps Michigan’s $15 billion dairy sector thrive,” said Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Dairy businesses like Leelanau Cheese Company and Reny Picot – Old Europe Cheese, Inc. exemplify innovation in Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.”

Leelanau Cheese Company, established in 1995, has developed a local and international reputation for their cave-aged, award-winning, European style cheeses. Located in Suttons Bay, Leelanau Cheese Company aims to produce accessible and quality dairy products that highlight Michigan’s rich agricultural landscape. The $100,000 grant from DBIA will help upgrade equipment to increase production capacity and expand markets.

Also awarded was Benton Harbor-based Reny Picot – Old Europe Cheese, Inc., established in 1987, crafts award-winning specialty cheeses using sustainable milk and cream from Michigan dairies. With a $98,000 DBIA grant, the company plans to reintroduce sliced brie, recover lost sales, expand production, and create jobs.

The grants are part of DBIA’s Dairy Business Builder program, which supports small- to medium-sized dairy businesses in diversifying operations, creating value-added products, enhancing by-products, and boosting exports. Grants of up to $100,000 are awarded through a competitive review process.

 

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