The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is pleased to announce the Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant Awards.
Projects from this grant will help established value-added dairy processors and producer associations strengthen their brand and expand market reach. These projects include developing strategic marketing plans, redesigning websites, and launching multichannel marketing strategies.
Six dairy businesses from across three states were selected for awards. Individual award amounts will range from $49,427 to $50,000 with a total of $299,427 in overall funding.
The following businesses have been selected for awards:
Maine Cheese Guild, Maine – $50,000 to work with a consultant to develop a strategic marketing plan that focuses on brand foundation and identity, communication strategies and tactics, and a new website that reflects the guild’s identity and goals.
Stone Fox Creamery, Maine – $50,000 to launch a multichannel marketing strategy that supports their geographic expansion from Midcoast to Southern Maine. Working with branding and marketing processionals, they will implement new packaging, signage, and digital content.
Winter Hill Farm, Maine – $50,000 to re-brand its award-winning creamery as it transitions from a farmstead model to sourcing 100% organic milk from multiple Maine farms. They will work with a consultant to support brand development, update packaging, and implement a PR campaign that highlights the farm’s commitment to transparency, regional sourcing, and market expansion.
Seen Nutrition, New York – $49,427 to develop a digital marketing plan and a comprehensive digital strategy to dramatically expand their customer base for their shelf-stable, milk-based calcium chew. This includes working with multiple consultants on implementing professional SEO and developing an Amazon storefront for online sales.
Sugar Hill Creamery, New York – $50,000 to undertake a comprehensive brand identity refresh, including a website redesign and development of cohesive marketing materials. This project will allow Sugar Hill Creamery to effectively communicate their story as Harlem’s first family-owned handmade ice cream shop in over a century.
Vermont Farmstead Cheese, Vermont – $50,000 to transform their marketing with a comprehensive rebranding initiative. This project will lead to a refreshed brand strategy, an updated logo and brand style guide, and new packaging and sell sheets that strengthen their market position and connection with customers.
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center was established in the 2018 Farm Bill and is funded through the USDA-AMS. Until a new Farm Bill is authorized, and depending on funding levels, this particular grant will not be offered again.
