The Kroger Company, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, has a long-standing history of providing high-quality cheese products to their customers. If you’ve ever wondered where Kroger Cheese is made, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need.
Kroger Cheese is made at various facilities across the United States, including the Pace Dairy plant in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and the Michigan Dairy in Livonia, Michigan. The milk used in the production of Kroger Cheese is sourced from various U.S. dairy farms located across the country. The cheese is processed by Kroger’s dairy plants such as Crossroad Farms Dairy, Vandervoort’s Dairy in Texas, Michigan Dairy, and Layton Dairy.
Kroger Cheese: Origins and History
Founded in 1883 by Barney Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Kroger Company has grown to nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states under 28 different names. The company’s commitment to providing high-quality products led to a partnership with Murray’s Cheese, a renowned artisanal cheese and specialty foods retailer based in New York City, in 2008. In 2017, Kroger acquired Murray’s Cheese, allowing them to offer a wide variety of artisanal cheeses from around the world.
Production Facilities
Kroger cheese is made at various facilities across the United States. For instance, the Pace Dairy plant in Crawfordsville, Indiana, produces 80 million lbs of cheese a year. The plant employs certified cheese graders who determine which cheese blocks will be directed toward specific products. Another facility that produces Kroger dairy products, including cottage cheese and sour cream, is the Michigan Dairy in Livonia, Michigan.
Types of Cheese and Milk Sources
Kroger produces various types of cheese, including shredded, block, and specialty cheeses. Kroger sources its milk from various U.S. dairy farms located across the country. Once the milk is purchased, it is processed by Kroger’s dairy plants such as Crossroad Farms Dairy, Vandervoort’s Dairy in Texas, Michigan Dairy, and Layton Dairy.
Quality Assurance
Kroger ensures the quality of their cheese through a combination of quality assurance measures, certified cheese graders, and continuous improvement efforts. The company has implemented measures to reduce mold in their cheese production process and has upgraded its deli cheese packaging to Sealed Air’s Cryovac Grip & Tear easy-open bags, improving worker safety and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Sustainability Practices
Kroger is committed to sustainability practices across its operations. The company aims to achieve 100% recyclable, compostable, and/or reusable packaging for all Our Brands products, including Kroger Cheese, by 2030. Kroger has also committed to reducing absolute enterprise-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 (from a 2018 base year).
Partnerships with Dairy Farms
Kroger has several partnerships with local and global dairy farms for their cheese production, including Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Georgia Grown program, Tamarack Farms Dairy, Kentucky Cheese Cares, Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Dairy Rescue Program, and Homestead Creamery.
Challenges and Achievements
Despite challenges such as navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Kroger has achieved success in various aspects of cheese production. The company has been recognized for its quality and innovation in the cheese industry. Kroger’s Murray’s Cheese, which supports over 900 Kroger stores nationwide, has been recognized for its quality and innovation in the cheese industry.
In conclusion, Kroger Cheese is made at various facilities across the United States, ensuring high-quality cheese products for their customers. The company’s commitment to quality assurance, sustainability practices, and partnerships with dairy farms highlights their dedication to providing the best products for their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the different names under which Kroger operates?
Some of the different names under which Kroger operates include Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, QFC, and Smith’s.
What is the Dairy Rescue Program that Kroger is involved in?
The Dairy Rescue Program is an initiative by Kroger where they process and donate surplus milk to Feeding America food banks.
Are there any specific quality certifications that Kroger’s cheese products hold?
While the blog post does not specify any particular certifications, Kroger’s cheese products are overseen by certified cheese graders and subject to strict quality assurance measures.
Where is Kroger’s headquarters located?
Kroger’s headquarters is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What types of cheeses does Kroger’s Murray’s Cheese offer?
Murray’s Cheese offers a wide variety of artisanal cheeses from around the world, including but not limited to, Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, and Blue Cheese.
