Pine River Cheese ceasing production at end of September

The Pine River Cheese and Butter Co-operative, located south of Kincardine on Highway 21, will cease production of cheese at the end of September.

That's the word from board chairman Geoff Farrell who said the retail store will remain open while supplies last, which could be over the next month or two, or extend to Christmas, 2019.

“We've experienced a low margin in a tough marketplace,” said Farrell. “We've done everything we can to keep the business going and save jobs, but this has been coming for awhile.”

He said the fire 10 years ago, which closed the cheese factory for over a year, impacted the Pine River Cheese standing in the market, and it never really recovered.

There are currently 16 members of the co-operative (local milk producers), he said, adding that it's the Dairy Farmers of Ontario that has control over the purchase and distribution of production, and allocates where the milk will be delivered.

“It's regrettable that it's come to this,” said Farrell. “We thank the employees for their hard work and dedication, and the community for supporting our product.”

Pine River Cheese has been in business for 134 years. Twenty-five employees will be affected by the closure of the facility.



The Pine River Cheese and Butter Co-operative factory and retail store, located on Highway 21, south of Kincardine; photo courtesy of Pine River Cheese