Harris Teeter is selling its Hunter Farms dairy processing plant to Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association Inc., the company announced this week. The sale is expected to close Aug. 30, 2021. 

Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative is a community of more than 900 dairy farm families in thirteen states passionate about dairy and bottling fresh Maola brand milk and dairy products. Founded in 1920, the cooperative’s farmers produce three billion pounds of milk a year for consumers and manufacturers worldwide. The cooperative also owns processing facilities in Newport News, Va., Strasburg, Va., Laurel, Md., and Landover, Md. 

“Hunter Farms is a unique part of the Harris Teeter business as it is not only Harris Teeter’s sole dairy resource and a very recognizable and beloved brand in our stores,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter, “but it also supplies dairy products to other major retail and restaurant chains across the Southeastern United States.” 

Robinson said Hunter Farms’ ice cream and beverage brands will continue to be featured on Harris Teeter’s shelves, and employees will be retained and offered comparable positions with the new owner.

With nearly 160 full-time associates in its High Point, N.C. facility, the team at Hunter Farms produces, in addition to milk, a variety of frozen dairy treats, juices, culture products and ice creams. 

“Harris Teeter would like to thank our skilled and dedicated associates for building a successful business so many organizations depend on and for creating a beloved brand as well as products our shoppers crave,” said Robinson. “We believe Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association Inc. will continue the legacy of the Hunter Farms business – investing in the High Point community and providing continued employment for our dedicated and valued associates.”

Jay Bryant, chief executive officer of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, commented, “The purchase of the Hunter Farms dairy processing plant is a long-term investment and growth opportunity for our cooperative in the High Point community. We are excited to strengthen our value-added business and expand our cooperative’s processing footprint in the southeast. With our five processing plants working in cooperation, we are establishing ourselves as the premier sustainable choice for dairy on the East Coast.”