Windham Foundation seeks buyer or partner for cash infusion for Grafton Cheese Co.

A co-operative program of the foundation for decades, the cheese company is the award-winning producer of hand-crafted aged cheddar and cave-aged sheep milk cheeses. Part of the mission of the Windham Foundation is supporting Vermont rural towns economically and culturally, the cheese company being an example of a local food company that benefits both agriculture and employment.

Last year, the foundation brought in Curt Alpeter as chief economic officer. Alpeter, who has previously worked for IDX, MyWebGrocer and Runamok Maple, was tasked with positioning the cheese company for long-term success.

Alpeter said he sees opportunity for the Grafton Village Cheese brand with adequate financial support, and both he and the committee of the Windham Foundation Board that oversees the cheese company have determined that that will require either new investment to grow the company or a sale to a better positioned partner with access to larger markets.

“Grafton Village Cheese Co. is an iconic Vermont brand with a great deal of potential. It has been built over years with so much love and commitment by our employees,” said Alpeter in a press release. “We have a great team, an award-winning product and a dedicated customer base which we are very proud to serve. We are hopeful a new partner will emerge with the resources to build on this legacy and take advantage of the huge potential to grow the brand.”

Lisa Ventriss, incoming chair of the Windham Foundation Board, said the decision was based on the company’s considerable potential and the resources needed to meet that potential. “After thoughtful consideration of Curt’s analysis, the foundation has determined it is no longer the right partner to take advantage of this next level of exciting growth.

Calling it “a difficult but necessary step forward,” Ventriss added that, “the Foundation remains a strong and critical local partner and will continue to focus its efforts on the Grafton Inn; Grafton Trails/Outdoor Center; grant-making; and philanthropic, charitable, and educational programs in and around the village of Grafton.”