Gay Lea Foods continues to grow

Gay Lea Foods Co-operative is on a bit of a buying spree.

The Mississauga, Ont.-based company has purchased Alberta Cheese Company for an undisclosed amount, making this its third acquisition in the last year. In 2016, Gay Lea Foods bought Stirling Creamery and Black River Cheese, and it purchased Salerno and Hewitt's Dairy two years before that.

READ: Gay Lea Foods buys Stirling Creamery

According to a media release, the most recent deal with Alberta Cheese, "supports the co-operative’s plan to grow its presence in the Canadian dairy industry while providing exceptional service to its retail and foodservice customers."

Located in South East Calgary, Alberta Cheese is a family-owned operation that employs 28 people and manufactures such brands as Franco’s and Sorrento.

"Much like Gay Lea Foods, Alberta Cheese is known for providing exceptional products with exceptional service," said Michael Barrett, president and CEO at Gay Lea Foods, in a release. "We are excited to welcome this highly regarded business to our co-operative as we continue to cultivate our cheese business and work to grow a strong, sustainable Canadian dairy industry that delivers innovative, market-driven dairy products."