Unfortunately, I learned that the shortage was not caused by a sudden explosion of Savor Culture fanaticism. Days after I published the post, Woodstock Water Buffalo closed its doors. It seems that the company had been sold by its founder, David Muller, to a private investment group in 2006. In February, those investors declined to provide the capital needed for national distribution of WWB's products. Production ceased, and the company was put up for sale.
The new owner is an Italian-born businessman currently residing in Toronto, Canada. According to the Burlington Free Press, he is committed to keeping the company in Vermont, and he plans to expand the product line to include grass-fed buffalo meat and aged cheese, in addition to yogurt and mozzarella. In a telephone conversation, an employee of the company told me that aged cheeses will be developed with several Vermont small-scale cheesemakers: Plymouth Cheese, Crowley Cheese Company, and Jasper Hill Farm.
The company is now known as Vermont Water Buffalo Inc, and its products are expected to be available beginning in April, though distribution will be limited to Vermont for some time. The name "Spoondance Creamery" will not be used for at least six months, as a condition of the business deal.
I was relieved to learn that this unique operation, with its herd of 680 water buffalo, is back in business. By all accounts, the new owner seems to have the passion (and the deep pockets) needed to make this project successful again. I'm looking forward to trying the new products from Vermont Water Buffalo, and will provide updates about product distribution.
6 comments:
wow. thank you for this post--it answers everything--that yogurt had become my favorite part of the day, and i was pretty worried.
Stephen,
Isn't it a relief? I can't wait to try their new buffalo's milk products!
Danielle, thanks for keeping everyone posted on the latest happenings at Vermont Water Buffalo. I work at the company and can tell you that we're all thrilled to be back in business. We look forward to bringing even more amazing water buffalo products to you in the future. I will let you know when our online store is up and running. Thanks again. Carey, Vermont Water Buffalo.
Carey,
Thanks for stopping by! Please do keep us updated-- you guys have a fan base here!
thanks Danielle,
I found out 2 years ago at the age of 48 that I was allergic to cow,goat and sheeps milk. I decided a couple of weeks ago to try buffalo products after researching and finding out that they actually have more calcium and other vitamins than you normal milk products. I bought some of the mozzerella from Whole Foods but the store closest to me did not have the milk or yogurt(there are only 3 or 4 stores in the entire state of Massachusetts and one is located in a very busy part of the state where I work).
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your experience-- it's good to hear that buffalo's milk may allow you to enjoy dairy products. I'll let you know as soon as I see VWB products at Whole Foods in Hadley, MA. Take care!
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