Homestead Creamery to expand processing capacity, purchase nearly $1.9 million in Virginia-produced cream

Homestead Creamery Inc. will invest over $2.5 million to renovate and expand their Franklin County production facility. The company will construct a new ice cream production room and install additional production and refrigeration equipment and freezers, in response to increased customer demand for their premium churned ice cream products. Through this expansion, the company will add two new jobs and purchase an additional $1.9 million of Virginia-produced cream over the next three years.

“I’m grateful to Homestead Creamery for their investment into one of Virginia’s top milk-producing counties and for supporting the growth of Virginia’s dairy industry—the fourth largest commodity in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“Homestead Creamery was the very first recipient of an AFID Facility Grant in 2012. I am extremely pleased that we could partner with the company again with another AFID Facility Grant to support this expansion project,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “This project builds on the success of a small, Virginia company and positions Homestead for future growth opportunities.”

Founded in 2001 in Burnt Chimney (Franklin County), Homestead Creamery, Inc. utilizes high-quality A2A2 milk from its network of local dairy farms to produce a variety of premium drinkable milk, ice cream, eggnog, and other dairy products that are sold through retail and wholesale networks. The company also operates an on-site retail market and deli featuring a variety of its dairy products along with Virginia’s Finest and Virginia Grown products. Homestead has grown steadily over the years and now sells its dairy products and specialty lemonade in approximately 100 stores across Virginia. Homestead Creamery’s super-premium ice cream is available in twenty-nine flavors across 13 states and Washington D.C.

Homestead Creamery, Inc. Controller Jesse Novak says, “This grant will fuel our vision for impactful building improvements, empowering us to better serve our customers and community. Together, we’re nurturing growth, innovation, and prosperity.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Franklin County to secure this expansion project for the Commonwealth. Youngkin approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program, which Franklin County will match with local funds.

The Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program supports agribusinesses of all sizes including produce companies, dairy processors, meat and poultry processors, specialty food and beverage manufacturers, greenhouse operations, forest product manufacturers and more. The fund can also support aquaculture projects such as oyster production and nurseries producing native plants for stormwater BMPs.

Interested businesses should contact their local economic development office or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for more information.