Dairy Farmers of America (D.F.A.), a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, has acquired Cumberland Dairy, a family-owned processor of ultra-pasteurized dairy products. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1933 by Charles Catalana, Cumberland Dairy is based in Bridgeton, N.J., and serves quick-service restaurants, convenience and grocery chains, wholesale food distributors, fine-casual restaurants and dessert concepts nationwide. Third-generation principals Carmine Catalana IV, Frank Catalana and David Catalana, along with existing management, will continue to run the business, overseeing day-to-day operations, including customer relationships, milk procurement and production. The business employs 180 individuals, who will retain their current positions.
“For 85 years, Cumberland Dairy has been intently focused on our mission to deliver high-quality products and dedicated service to our loyal customers,” said Carmine Catalana IV, president of Cumberland Dairy. “Looking ahead, a future with D.F.A. means that we can continue to focus on our values as a company while accelerating our opportunities for growth. This is a very exciting time for the entire Cumberland Dairy family, and we look forward to this next chapter with D.F.A.”
Another business owned by the Catalana family, Innovation Foods L.L.C., a juice and beverage manufacturer, is not included in the transaction and will remain independent and wholly-owned by the Catalanas.
D.F.A. serves and is owned by more than 13,000 members on nearly 8,000 farms in 48 states, manufacturing dairy products, food components and ingredients, and formulating and packaging shelf-stable dairy products. The acquisition of Cumberland Farms expands the cooperative’s ownership into extended shelf-life processing.
“This acquisition represents a commitment by our farmer-owners to expand our investments in processing and to continue to grow the U.S. dairy industry,” said Rick Smith, president and chief executive officer of D.F.A. “The Catalanas’ values and passion for the industry align closely with those of our cooperative, and we believe this is a tremendous opportunity to expand upon the foundation of quality products and superior service already in place at Cumberland Dairy.”
Source: Food Business News