TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2014 /CNW/ – Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited is
pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached, effective
February 1, 2014, to acquire Salerno Dairy. Salerno, a family-owned
company in Hamilton, Ontario, has manufactured specialty Italian cheese
for over 50 years.

“With this acquisition we are merging two of Ontario’s best traditions:
a farmer-owned co-operative and a family-owned business.” says Chair
Paul Vickers. “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion
will bring.” Salerno CEO Angelo Fidanza adds, “We believe Gay Lea Foods
will do an excellent job of carrying forward our heritage of quality
and our dedication to fine cheese.”

Salerno Dairy manufactures an extensive selection of traditional Italian
cheeses. Its significant repertoire of specialty products includes
hard, soft, semi-soft and shredded cheese and cheese blends under the
brands Salerno and Gos & Gris. From mozzarella to mascarpone, and
bocconcini to pecorino, its products are widely available in retail
stores and through major foodservice suppliers.

“This acquisition will allow Gay Lea to establish relationships with new
customers and to build on existing partnerships with new offerings and
opportunities,” says Andrew MacGillivray, president and CEO of Gay Lea
Foods. “This acquisition holds great promise for the years ahead.”

A cheese producer since 1962, Salerno Dairy’s main plant is located in
Hamilton, Ontario. It has a warehouse and distribution centre in
Montreal, Quebec and its Gos & Gris manufacturing plant in Hannon,
Ontario. It employs 185 people among the three locations.

About Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited

Gay Lea Foods, founded in 1958, is Ontario’s largest dairy co-operative
with 1,200 members and 650 employees. Its sales in 2013 topped $560
million. It is a leader in the dairy industry and the co-operative
sector, with its head office in Mississauga and six production
facilities across Ontario. Its brands, Gay Lea, Nordica and Ivanhoe
Cheese, have a strong presence in the retail, foodservice and
industrial ingredients sectors. www.gaylea.com

About Salerno Dairy

Salerno Dairy, founded in 1962, is an Ontario company with 185
employees. It specializes in the manufacture of high quality,
traditional Italian cheeses. Its brands, Salerno and Gos & Gris are
well-known in the retail and foodservice markets. Salerno also imports
several types of popular cheese from Italy and carries an extensive
line of Italian food products for the wholesale market. www.salernodairy.com.

SOURCE Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited

Image with caption: “Gay Lea Foods member farm – Egger family. Milton Ontario. (CNW Group/Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140131_C6848_PHOTO_EN_36096.jpg