| Alto Dairy Cooperative | |
| Type: | Subsidiary |
| Foundation: | 1894 in Waupun, Wisconsin |
| Locations: | 2[1] |
| Industry: | Food |
| Products: | Cheese, cream, liquid veal food, whey, & whey protein concentrate |
| Parent: | Saputo Inc. (2008–present) |
Alto Dairy Cooperative (ADC) was a farmer-owned dairy cooperative in Waupun, Wisconsin. Founded in 1894, it is the oldest farmer-owned cooperative in the state of Wisconsin and boasts the nation's largest cheese producing plant east of the Mississippi River.[2] As of 2007, ADC had two cheese plants, one in Black Creek and one in Waupun, as well as 467 employees. The cooperative has a membership of about 500 farmers. In 2007, it handled $378 million in sales and had a net income of $19.6 million.[2]
In 2008, Alto Dairy Cooperative was sold to Saputo Inc., a Canadian cheese company. Alto Dairy still operates under its original name as a subsidiary. This sale was approved by 98% of the farmers who are active in the cooperative, allowing Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. to purchase the dairy cooperative for $160 million.[3]
In 2007, ADC appeared on the History channel series Modern Marvels. The show interviewed employees and filmed the production process at the Black Creek cheese plant, chosen for its diverse cheese-making abilities.[4] Alto Dairy Colby-Jack cheese won an award at the World Championship Cheese and butter contest in 2006 and 2008. The prize-winning cheese was from the Black Creek cheese plant.[5]