Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery Company Profile

Background

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, established in 1968 in Sebastopol, California, began as a family-operated goat dairy farm. Founded by Jennifer Bice, the company has grown into a leading producer of goat milk dairy products, including yogurt, kefir, and cheese. In 2010, the company expanded its offerings by introducing Green Valley Creamery, a brand dedicated to lactose-free cow milk products such as yogurt, kefir, sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Both brands emphasize high-quality, minimally processed dairy products that cater to consumers seeking digestible and nutritious options.

Key Strategic Focus

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery focuses on producing high-quality goat milk and lactose-free cow milk dairy products. The company's core objectives include:

Product Diversification: Offering a range of dairy products under two distinct brands—Redwood Hill Farm for goat milk products and Green Valley Creamery for lactose-free cow milk products.

Quality Assurance: Maintaining high standards in product quality through minimal processing and the use of simple, clean ingredients.

Sustainability: Implementing environmentally friendly practices, such as operating a solar-powered creamery and utilizing water-saving measures.

Animal Welfare: Ensuring humane treatment of animals, with all milk sourced from Certified Humane® farms.

Financials and Funding

In 2015, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery was acquired by Emmi, Switzerland's largest milk processor. This acquisition aimed to preserve the company's operations in Sonoma County and maintain its commitment to quality and sustainability. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

In 2022, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery merged with Jackson-Mitchell Inc. to form Darey Brands Inc., combining their expertise in goat, cow, and plant-based dairy products to accelerate growth across multiple categories.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery employs several proprietary technologies and methodologies to ensure product quality and sustainability:

Slow-Culturing Process: Utilizing a slow fermentation process to produce yogurt and kefir, resulting in products rich in probiotics.

Renewable Energy Utilization: Operating a solar-powered creamery that runs entirely on renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal.

Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving measures, such as using greywater to irrigate neighboring fields.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery includes:

Jennifer Bice: Founder and former head of the company, who oversaw operations until her retirement in December 2018.

Bonnie Neulight: CEO and Managing Director of Darey Brands Inc., the parent company formed after the merger with Jackson-Mitchell Inc.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The U.S. dairy industry comprises over 1,200 processing businesses, making it a competitive market. The demand for specialty dairy products, such as goat milk and lactose-free options, has been growing due to increasing consumer awareness of digestive health and dietary preferences.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the specialty dairy market include:

Cowgirl Creamery: Based in Point Reyes Station, California, Cowgirl Creamery produces artisan cheeses and has a strong presence in the specialty cheese market.

Cypress Grove: Located in Humboldt County, California, Cypress Grove is known for its goat cheeses and was acquired by Emmi in 2010.

Laura Chenel's Chèvre: A pioneer in American goat cheese production, based in Sonoma, California, and acquired by French-owned RIANS Group in 2006.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery's strategic collaborations include:

Acquisition by Emmi: In 2015, the company was acquired by Emmi, Switzerland's largest milk processor, ensuring continued operations and alignment with Emmi's high standards for quality and sustainability.

Merger with Jackson-Mitchell Inc.: In 2022, the company merged with Jackson-Mitchell Inc. to form Darey Brands Inc., combining their expertise in goat, cow, and plant-based dairy products to accelerate growth across multiple categories.

Operational Insights

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery's operational strategies include:

Sustainability Initiatives: Operating a solar-powered creamery and implementing water-saving measures to reduce environmental impact.

Quality Control: Utilizing a slow-culturing process and sourcing milk from Certified Humane® farms to ensure high-quality products.

Product Diversification: Offering a range of goat milk and lactose-free cow milk products to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for specialty and digestible dairy products. Future directions include:

Product Innovation: Developing new products that cater to emerging consumer preferences, such as plant-based dairy alternatives.

Market Expansion: Expanding distribution channels to reach a broader consumer base, including entry into conventional grocery retail segments.

Sustainability Enhancements: Continuing to implement and improve sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.