
Agropur's journey to becoming one of the world's largest dairy cooperatives began in 1935 with a single dairy farm in Quebec, Canada.
The company's early success can be attributed to its focus on quality and innovation, which led to the development of new dairy products and processes.
Agropur's expansion into the United States marked a significant milestone in its growth, with the acquisition of the Dean Foods dairy business in 2017.
This strategic move not only increased Agropur's market share but also provided access to new technologies and expertise.
Mission and Values
Agropur Cooperative has a clear mission that reflects its history and commitment to its members. The company's mission is to be faithful to its long-term vision and offer quality dairy products to its clients and consumers.
At the heart of Agropur's success are its five fundamental values. These values guide the company in everything it does and have been the product of its collective efforts.
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One of the key values is boldness, which is demonstrated by the company's courage and creativity in a constantly changing world. This value is essential for any business that wants to stay ahead of the curve.
Communication is another crucial value, as it ensures that information is shared to make informed decisions. This value is reflected in the company's commitment to transparency and open communication.
Agropur's commitment to integrity is unwavering, and the company acts diligently and honestly in all its dealings. This value is essential for building trust with clients and consumers.
The company's pursuit of excellence is evident in its mission to transcend the rest and be the best. This value drives the company to continually improve and innovate.
Finally, collaboration is at the heart of Agropur's values, as the company works together in a spirit of trust and cooperation. This value is essential for achieving great things and making a lasting impact.
Here are Agropur's five fundamental values in a concise list:
- Boldness: Demonstrating courage and creativity in a constantly changing world.
- Communication: Sharing information to ensure informed decisions
- Integrity: Acting diligently and honestly
- Excellence: Transcending the rest to be the best
- Collaboration: Working together in a spirit of trust and cooperation
Expansion and Growth
Agropur has a significant presence in Wisconsin, with facilities in Appleton, Weyauwega, Luxemburg, and Little Chute.
The Little Chute facility is a major player, specializing in individually quick-frozen cheese sticks for global markets.
This facility receives 3.3 million pounds of milk every day, which is used to produce 12.6 million cheese sticks daily.
The plant's expansion in 2023 allowed its milk processing volume to more than double, creating at least 54 high-paying jobs.
The $168 million expansion was the cooperative's second-largest capital investment in the U.S., showcasing Agropur's commitment to growth and modernization.
The new facility also includes a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system that generates electricity, supporting Agropur's sustainability efforts.
To facilitate this expansion, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) authorized $4.5 million in Enterprise Zone Tax Credits.
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Cooperative Strengths
Agropur's business model is built on solidarity, democracy, and the pooling of resources, which has enabled the cooperative to generate and share wealth among its members.
The cooperative is owned by 2,700 dairy farmers who have joined forces to process and market their high-quality milk. This unique model allows Agropur to return patronage dividends to its members based on their annual milk production and the cooperative's surpluses.
Agropur's expansion into the U.S. in 2008 marked a significant milestone for the cooperative, which has since become a world dairy-processing powerhouse. The cooperative logged $8.2 billion in gross annual sales in 2023.
Agropur's growth trajectory has yielded impressive results, with the cooperative now serving a global market and employing thousands of people across North America. Its U.S. expansion included Wisconsin, America's Dairyland, where the dairy industry contributes over $45 billion to the state's economy each year.
Having a strong business model and a solid foundation in the dairy industry has allowed Agropur to expand its capacity and boost demand for milk, stimulating employment in the Fox Valley.
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Industry and Market
Agropur's expansion in Little Chute is a perfect example of how market growth can trigger facility growth. The company's demand for cheese and dairy ingredients led to a $168 million expansion of its plant in 2021.
The Little Chute facility is a key player in Agropur's cheese manufacturing activities in the Midwest U.S. Agropur has a strong presence in Wisconsin with facilities in Appleton, Weyauwega, and Luxemburg.
The expanded plant allowed the milk processing volume to more than double, creating at least 54 high-paying new jobs. This is a significant investment in the local community.
Agropur's Little Chute facility specializes in individually quick-frozen cheese sticks for worldwide food service and retail channels. The plant receives 3.3 million pounds of milk every day.
The facility's team of 150 employees produce 12.6 million cheese sticks every day. This is a remarkable feat of efficiency and production.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of company is Agropur?
Agropur is a global dairy producer and manufacturer, partnering with prominent brands worldwide. As a top 20 global dairy producer, Agropur offers a wide range of products and services.
What brands does Agropur make?
Agropur produces a variety of cheese brands, including Agropur Grand Cheddar, Agropur Signature, Allegro, Farmers, Iceberg, Island Farms, Lucerne, and Northumberland. Learn more about each of these brands by clicking on the links provided.
How many plants does Agropur have?
Agropur operates 31 plants across North America, processing a significant amount of milk annually. This extensive network supports the company's position as a top 20 global dairy producer.
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