FARIA DAIRY-- owned and operated by Manual Faria -- was awarded Glanbia's highest honor, 2014 Quality Patron of the Year at Glanbia's December annual Christmas patron luncheon and awards ceremony. Patrons were welcomed at the door of the Stone House with carolers from Immanuel Lutheran School. As the patrons entered the event center, they were presented with cheese samples from our Cheese Innovation Center which is currently focused on an exciting variety of smoked cheeses.
This year the Faria dairy was awarded a plaque and an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland. Steve Faria shared, "We didn't really change much in how we did things from last year to this year. We focused on cleanliness, stayed on top of any issues that arose and give credit to our high quality employees. We focus on making a product we feel comfortable consuming."
This annual award rotates between small, medium and large dairies. In order to be recognized for this award, Glanbia's milk suppliers must meet strict quality standards over 12 months, paying close attention to all facets of dairy operations.
"Faria dairy is an excellent example of what a father/son team can do when they work together as well as Manuel and Steve", said Russ De Kruyf, Director of Milk Procurement. "Their skilled operation is definitely reflected in the quality of their milk. Every year when Glanbia sits down to review the previous year's milk quality; they are consistently in our top ten. We knew someday they would be awarded the top milk supplier of the year. They have been supplying Glanbia with high quality milk for nearly 20 years and this recognition is very well deserved,"
Daragh Maccabee, EVP/CFO, stated, "Glanbia has grown hand in hand with its patrons in Idaho based on long term relationships of reliability, integrity and quality. We would like to thank Faria Dairy for their commitment to excellence over the last 20 years and congratulate them on their richly deserved award for 2014."
The grand prize drawing for an additional all-expenses paid trip for two to Ireland was awarded to Rob and Monica De Kruyf who were in attendance. Both couples will embark on the trip in the fall of 2016 and here's hoping that these awards help to create a feeling of "Life is Gouda"!
Other dairies recognized with awards for quality milk production were: 4 Bros #1, 4 Bros #3, 4 Bros #4, 4 Bros #5, Aardema #7, Baar Dairy, Ballard, Big Sky, Bill Johnston, Brandsma, Clarkson, County Line, De Kruyf, Dinis #1, Dinis #2, Donley Farms, Faria Dairy, Hay-Del, Kasper, Knott-run, Kowz-R-Us, Lawton, Millenkamp #1, No View, Petter, Rietkerk #1, Rietkerk #2, Robinson & Sorenson, Southfield #1, St. Bridget, SunView #2, T & F, T-3, Toledo, Turner, Valencia, Van Dyk, West Point.
Glanbia Foods is the world's largest producer of American-style cheddar cheese with over 700 employees in southern Idaho.1.20.2015