STATE OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY: Each November, Dairy Foods issues a report with data current retail sales as well as new perspectives about dairy’s future. One feature — “State of the Dairy Industry: Heavenly growth for natural cheese”— notes that cheese is having its moment, exceeding $21 billion in sales, with a 4.3% year-over-year growth for the 52 weeks ending Sept. 7.
This week, several “cheese-y” PCC grantees shared newsworthy stories:
- AWARD-WINNING PCC CREAMERY: The Salty Goat just earned a Bronze Medal at the World Cheese Awards – The Guild of Fine Food in Bern, Switzerland. The acclaimed product, Bloom, is flower-shaped bloomy rind (made with the custom molds funded through the last round of PCC grants.)
- EXPANSION AT Columbia Community Creamery: “We are expanding into cheese in 2026! We also have added retail space for other farmers to sell their items increasing the economic vitality of our rural area. We are now also producing yogurt in a 64oz pouch for the Washington State Farm to School program and working with LINC (Local Inland Northwest Co-op) and Rural Resources for distribution to schools.”
- SARTORI JOB OPENING: “Sartori Company, a fourth-generation, family-owned cheesemaker based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, recently acquired Rumiano Cheese Company in May 2025. As part of this exciting transition, we’re seeking a Plant Manager to lead our Crescent City, California facility, home to approximately 50 team members.” Here’s more information.
Next week, the monthly PCC newsletter will highlight more success stories as well advocacy efforts to increase funding. FOLLOW US: Insta @dairypcc; LinkedIn @Pacific Coast Coalition – DBII