Matthews, N.C. – Harris Teeter announced Tuesday, August 17 that the company is selling its HunterFarms dairy processing plant to Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. The sale is expected to close Aug. 30, 2021.
“We are excited to strengthen our value-added business and expand our cooperative’s processing footprint in the southeast. 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. Founded in 1920, the cooperative’s farmers produce three billion pounds of milk a year for consumers and manufacturers worldwide. The cooperative also owns processing facilities in Newport News, Va., Strasburg, Va., Laurel, Md., and Landover, Md.
“We are excited to strengthen our value-added business and expand our cooperative’s processing footprint in the southeast.” — Maryland & Virginia CEO Jay Bryant
“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, “but it also supplies dairy products to other major retail and restaurant chains across the Southeastern United States.”
“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, N.C. facility, the team at Hunter Farms produces, in addition to milk, a variety of frozen dairy treats, juices, culture products and ice creams.
“Harris Teeter would like to thank our skilled and dedicated associates for building a successful business so many organizations depend on and for creating a beloved brand as well as products our shoppers crave,” said Robinson. “We believe Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. will continue the legacy of the Hunter Farms business – investing in the High Point community and providing continued employment for our dedicated and valued associates.”
“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. “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.”
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