Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company signs strategic partnership with Sheila Marie Imports

The Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company (VFC) announced today that they have signed a partnership agreement with Sheila Marie Imports (SMI) of Boston, MA. This agreement encompasses an exclusive distribution arrangement through 2012. SMI will expedite the expansion of VFC's marketing reach throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic states that SMI services. SMI is a subsidiary of Atlanta Foods International (AFI), a leading national distributor of specialty foods, based in Georgia.
This agreement will accelerate product placement and allow VFC to develop a greater portfolio of Vermont farmstead cheeses. With seamless communication through SMI directly to retailers and consumers, VFC will be better able to respond to consumer's needs and changing market conditions. Cheese making begins Monday, January 17 with product launch in May of 2011.
VFC will work directly with SMI sales staff to research and develop unique cheeses that will be embraced by the growing base of farmstead cheese consumers. Farmstead cheeses are those made from the milk of animals that live on the farm where the cheese is manufactured. VFC's unique story will further push consumer interest in the VFC brand and reinforce the wholesome image of all Vermont farmstead cheese.
Peter Mohn, VP of Sales and Marketing at VFC stated, ‘SMI has been very influential and supportive of the farmstead and artisanal cheese producers throughout the U.S. for over twenty years. They understand our approach and see the opportunity to expand the awareness and appreciation of farmstead cheeses from Vermont.
"I am very excited about this new relationship and I hope our joint efforts will help to reverse the trend of vanishing dairy farms in the Woodstock area and the entire state of Vermont", said John Greeley. He continued, "Producing quality farmstead dairy products from one's own herd of cows in a sustainable manner, this is what authentic Vermont dairy farming is all about."
VFC is the first community-owned farmstead dairy facility in Vermont. The company was conceived and founded as a community based effort to preserve the rural way of life in South Woodstock.
www.vermontfarmstead.com. South Woodstock, VT (January, 2011) ...