The recent acquisition of Rumiano Cheese in California by two Wisconsin-based companies tells a story about Plymouth, the Cheese Capital of the World.
Sartori Cheese and Masters Gallery Foods announced separately in early June they each had acquired a portion of Rumiano’s business. Sartori took on the creamery in Crescent City, California, and Masters Gallery acquired the Willows, California converting and distribution facilities.
Masters Gallery Foods CEO and President Jeff Gentine says a three-way deal isn’t common, but it made perfect sense for both Sartori and Masters Gallery.
“Sartori is focused on cheesemaking and sees tremendous potential in the Crescent City creamery and its surrounding organic dairy producers,” he says. “At the same time, we are focused on cheese packaging and distribution, and the Willows facility is a strong platform for our western expansion. By teaming up, each of us can focus on our core strengths.”
It also was a good fit for Rumiano, which was the oldest family-owned cheese company in California.
“After more than a century of family ownership, we’re proud to join forces with another family-owned business that truly respects what we’ve built at Rumiano Cheese,” John Rumiano says.
Sartori was deep into discussions about the purchase before Masters Gallery became involved. Gentine says the deal came together in part because of the deep historical ties of the two businesses.
“It likely would not have happened this way if we weren’t already very familiar with each other, to include a long family history between the Sartoris and Gentines. After all, it was Bert Sartori’s grandfather Joe and my grandfather Leonard who joined forces in 1953 to form a little cheese company called Sargento,” Gentine said. “This isn’t exactly the same thing, as we aren’t co-owners of Rumiano, but the history is still interesting.”
Gentine says Willows is a good location strategically for the company’s expansion plans and will help reduce shipping costs. It also is new, having been built as recently as 2021.
Sartori officials say the combined expertise and resources will enhance Sartori’s product offerings and expand its market reach while continuing to honor the traditions and values of both companies.
“This acquisition aligns with our mission to make the best cheese in the world,” says Bert Sartori, CEO of Sartori Cheese. “We look forward to building upon Rumiano’s commitment to their Redwood Coast family farm partners and local community.”
The integration of Rumiano’s product line will complement Sartori’s existing portfolio, offering consumers a broader selection of artisanal cheeses.
A legacy of cheesemaking excellence born from family ties continues grow for both companies.
