MISSISSAUGA, ON--(Marketwired - January 13, 2016) - Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL) and Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (Gay Lea Foods) today announced the launch of the Co-operative Dairy Alliance (CDA) to strengthen co-operation between two of Canada's leading dairy co-operatives.
The Alliance seeks to strengthen dairy co-operative leadership in the Canadian dairy industry by growing the market for Canadian milk and building on the current variety of value-added dairy products offered by the two co-operatives. ADL and Gay Lea Foods share a commitment to the principles of co-operation among co-operatives, sharing of training and education with members and concern for community. The two co-operatives will work collectively by sharing process excellence and collaborating on market distribution, delegate and leadership training, research and development and procurement.
The Co-operative Dairy Alliance will support and promote the unique assets and specialties of the two dairy co-operatives that are proudly serving the Canadian marketplace with high quality, local dairy products:
- ADL is a well-recognized PEI co-operative representing PEI dairy farmers, serving the Atlantic provinces and is a leader in cheese and condensed milk;
- Gay Lea Foods is the largest dairy co-operative in Ontario and second largest dairy co-op in Canada leading in butter, cultured products and whipped cream.
QUOTES
"The nature of this new relationship will allow each respective Co-operative to maintain their independence while at the same time leveraging the strengths, assets, and resources of the combined business to work towards a collective goal to grow and sustain a strong, dynamic and innovative dairy industry for the benefit of their members."
~ Garnet Schellen, President, ADL
"As a proudly Canadian dairy co-operative, we aspire to apply the co-operative principles in our daily business practices with industry partners and customers and the Alliance is another way we can strengthen both the Canadian dairy industry and the co-operative movement."
~ Paul Vickers, Chair of the Board, Gay Lea Foods
"ADL is proud to represent the PEI dairy processing industry in this new co-operative model and welcomes the opportunities that the Alliance presents. It will enable ADL to remain committed to our farmer members and customers from our home base in PEI and provide for the continued profitable growth of the business and financial success of our members."
~ Jim Bradley, CEO and General Manager, ADL
"We look forward to advancing one dairy voice, through the Alliance, with our co-operative partner to ensure growth and prosperity of the Canadian dairy industry."
~ Michael Barrett, President and CEO, Gay Lea Foods
CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY ALLIANCE MEMBERS
Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL) is a producer owned co-op with dairy processing and retail food distribution facilities throughout PEI, processing over 100 million liters of milk each year from the 180 Island dairy farms. With over 250 employees, ADL's quality dairy products are found in kitchens and restaurants across PEI and Canada. ADL also provides dairy products to markets in the U.S., Asia and the Caribbean. Our plants hold certifications such as HACCP, BRC and Kosher. ADL recently launched a new product line of Maritime-made cheese, Dairy Isle, and is already receiving industry accolades for quality and taste.
In 1958 a group of farmers came together with a common vision - to better the lives of Ontario farming families and co-operatives. Gay Lea Foods is 100% Canadian owned and operated, with 1,200 dairy farmer owners who produce 35% of Ontario's milk, and more than 3,800 members, making it the largest dairy co-operative in Ontario. Gay Lea Foods is driven by innovation and growing the market for Canadian milk. Our products include the consumer favourite Spreadables™; the recently launched North America's first Smooth™ Cottage Cheese; and the introduction of an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, Nothing But Cheese™.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
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Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/1/13/11G078660/Images/Paul_Vickers_and_Garnet_Schellen_office-f34468c1c5dc9bd38c536752f4b89387.jpg
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Rosemary MacLellan
Senior Director, Strategy
Gay Lea Foods
613-290-5951
