Vermont-Based Cheese, Cracker Companies Join Forces

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. (VFCC) of South Woodstock, Vt., announced its acquisition of Castleton Crackers and unveiled a business partnership for the two made-in-Vermont specialty food products. 

According to a press release from Vermont Farmstead, the cracker and cheese companies see endless potential in aligning their like-minded brands to expand their reach and further promote the high quality and character of Vermont’s ever-expanding specialty foods marketplace. 

“Vermont is currently home to hundreds of producers of specialty artisanal foods that illustrate the diversity and character of the state and region,” stated Valerie Traynor, VFCC senior vice president-specialty foods. “Our exciting venture with Castleton Crackers will allow both of our brands to creatively enhance our own product lines while building awareness for Vermont’s top-quality specialty food offerings nationally.” 

Whitney Lamy, Castleton Crackers’ founder, started her company by adapting an 1800s recipe for homemade crackers and sharing them with friends and family. Inspired by the number of artisan and farmstead cheese companies forming across Vermont, Lamy launched her brand at the Rutland Winter Farmers Market in 2008. Having received positive response and success in the first few years of business development, Castleton Crackers reached a point in 2012 of potential growth and expansion that required outside investment to take the business to the next level. 

Formed two years ago, VFCC proved the ideal partner; not just because the company’s award-winning cheeses pair perfectly with the crackers, but VFCC also shares a passion and vision for promoting the artisanal makers of Vermont food products far beyond the state. Through this new partnership, VFCC and Castleton Crackers will focus their efforts on driving more marketing, organizing operations and expanding product research and development. 

“I am thrilled to have found a partner in the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co.,” said Lamy. “The team shares my passion for specialty foods and for supporting our state’s farming and small-business communities.”