Gay Lea Foods buys Ontario-based processor Hewitt’s Dairy
by Canadian Manufacturing Staff
Hewitt's Dairy produces milk, cream, sour cream, cultured beverages, yogurt and a full range of dairy goat products
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd. has reached a deal to buy a Hagersville, Ont.-based dairy processor that produces a host of products that fit the former’s portfolio.
According to Gay Lea Foods, the largest dairy co-op in Ontario, it will acquire Hewitt’s Dairy Ltd., located in the community south of Hamilton, Ont., effective Nov. 1.
A producer of milk, cream, sour cream, cultured beverages, yogurt and a full range of dairy goat products, Hewitt’s Dairy has been family-owned and operated for more than 125 years.
“With this acquisition we continue the Ontario tradition of the family farm,” Gay Lea Foods chair Paul Vickers said in a statement.
“Hewitt’s Dairy, like our co-operative, began with a farmer providing fresh milk to local families, and expanded its dedication to rural communities over the course of many years.”
Hewitt’s Dairy specializes in processing and co-packing niche products for customers.
It also offers a selection of more than 100 flavours of regular ice cream, as well as sugar-free and low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and goat ice cream at its popular dairy bar north of Hagersville.
“This acquisition will expand Gay Lea’s presence in the Ontario dairy marketplace and increase the diversity of our basket of goods,” said Michael Barrett, president and CEO of Gay Lea Foods. “We look forward to new opportunities as we welcome such a well-respected brand to our co-operative.”
