Gilman merger

Gilman Cheese to merge with Dairyfood USA of Madison

Two of Wisconsin’s leading cheese processors – Dairyfood USA and Gilman Cheese Corporation – announced Tuesday they will merge, creating an expanded product mix for their customers around the world.

Following the planned retirement of Dairyfood USA president and CEO Daniel Culligan, Gilman Cheese Corporation president David Delgado will oversee integration of the combined organization alongside Dairyfood USA and Gilman management teams. Dairyfood USA and Gilman currently employ 149 and 184 employees, respectively. Each company will retain its name.

“We are excited to partner with another Wisconsin cheese processor and provide additional products to customers including the naturally smoked cheeses Dairyfood USA is known for,” said David Delgado, president of Gilman Cheese Corporation. “There are also significant opportunities for innovation as worldwide demand for processed cheese continues to grow.”

Dairyfood USA operates out of a facil- ity in Blue Mounds, located 25 miles west of Madison. Gilman Cheese Corporation in the Village of Gilman.

“The future is extremely bright for Dairyfood USA and Gilman Cheese,” said Culligan. “Together the people, products and legacy of each company will make the Wisconsin cheese industry stronger and more competitive while providing our customers with additional opportunities.”

About Dairyfood USA

Dairyfood USA is a specialty processor of extended shelf-life cheese products including smoked links and loaves, snack wedges, portion-control cups, dips and spreads, cut bars, and non-dairy products. Additionally, it is the largest supplier of smoked Gouda in the United States. Products are sold private label as well as under house brand names such as Glacier Ridge Farms™, Queso de Casa™ and Sonoma Jacks. Customers include retail, foodservice, transportation and airlines, and gift pack suppliers. Learn more at dairyfoodusa.com.

About Gilman Cheese Corporation

Gilman Cheese Corporation is a leading developer, manufacturer and private labeler of premium, highquality, clean label, processed cheeses. The company’s products are as close to natural cheese as a processed cheese can be, but are pasteurized and blended to achieve a product with a longer shelf-life and performance that goes beyond the capabilities of natural cheese. Products are featured prominently in the grocery and industrial channels, as well as schools, gift packs, institutions, retail, and airlines. Learn more at gilmancheese.com.