Harris Teeter is selling its Hunter Farms dairy processing plant to Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. The sale is expected to close August 30.
Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative is a community of more than 900 dairy farm families in thirteen states passionate about cultivating dairy goodness and bottling fresh Maola brand milk and dairy products. The cooperative also owns processing facilities in Newport News and Strasburg, Virigina, as well as Laurel and Landover, Maryland.
“Hunter Farms is a unique part of the Harris Teeter business as it is not only Harris Teeter’s sole dairy resource and a very recognizable and beloved brand in our stores,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter, in a statement. “But it also supplies dairy products to other major retail and restaurant chains across the Southeastern United States.”
Robinson continued, “Hunter Farms’ successful and recognizable ice cream and beverage brands will continue to be featured on Harris Teeter’s shelves, and our valued associates will be retained and offered comparable positions with the new owner.”
With nearly 160 full-time associates in its High Point, North Carolina, facility, the team at Hunter Farms produces, in addition to milk, a variety of frozen dairy treats, juices, culture products, and ice creams.
“The purchase of the Hunter Farms dairy processing plant is a long-term investment and growth opportunity for our cooperative in the High Point community,” said Jay Bryant, CEO, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, in a statement. “We are excited to strengthen our value-added business and expand our cooperative’s processing footprint in the southeast. With our five processing plants working in cooperation, we are establishing ourselves as the premier sustainable choice for dairy on the east coast.”
Related: Harris Teeter to Open D.C.-Area Store; Harris Teeter to Host Supplier Diversity Summit.
Image: Harris Teeter