OUR PARLOR

Oxford County is the milk capital of the province for good reason!

Everything Tastes Better when it’s Local

Our pride in supporting local does not stop at the variety of fresh produce you can find within our store. Oxford Country isn’t called the dairy capital of the province for no reason! Our rich soils and crops enable the production of high-quality milk to be produced, which in turn, ends up on our table in many forms! These forms include everything from sour cream, to a wide variety of cheeses, to ice cream and everything in between. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have the ability to deal with a range of suppliers such as Gay Lea, Hewitts, Jensen and Gunns Hill Cheese, Woolwich and Shaw’s Ice Cream! Everything tastes better when it is local and who doesn’t want an excuse to eat ice cream by the tub?

GAY LEA FOODS: A CANADIAN LEGACY ROOTED IN CO-OPERATION

Founded in 1958 by visionary farmers, Gay Lea Foods stands as a testament to Canadian dairy excellence. Representing over 1,300 dairy farms across Ontario and Manitoba, they've consistently showcased innovation while honoring their "Born on the Farm" heritage. This farmer-owned co-operative ensures the highest quality, collaboration, and commitment are at the heart of every product. As we continue to provide the best for our community, partnerships like this with Gay Lea Foods help us uphold our promise of fresh, quality offerings. Celebrate with us, as we toast to traditions and the values born on the farm.

HEWITT'S DAIRY: A JOURNEY FROM HORSE-DRAWN WAGON TO DAIRY DELIGHTS

Starting in Hagersville in 1887 with James Hewitt's horse-drawn milk deliveries, Hewitt's Dairy now boasts a diverse range of premium Canadian dairy products. This includes their famed ice cream, offered in over 60 flavors at the iconic Hewitt’s Dairy Bar. As a proud member of the Gay Lea Foods Co-operative since 2014, Hewitt’s remains farmer-owned, emphasizing quality and local Ontario sourcing. Their commitment to rural Ontario and quality dairy products remains as strong as ever.

JENSEN CHEESE: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Jensen Cheese, an esteemed division of A.M. Jensen Limited, has been a symbol of artisanal quality in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario since 1925. Originating from the expertise of Arne Jensen, a Master Cheesemaker from Denmark, every cheese is a blend of traditional methods and pure dedication. This commitment to the Old World Curing Process ensures each cheese retains its authentic, full-bodied flavor. Today, Scott Jensen carries forward this legacy, ensuring every product from their Wilton (Odessa) facility stands testament to their family's unwavering commitment to quality and service.

GUNN'S HILL ARTISAN CHEESE: A SYMPHONY OF SWISS TRADITIONS IN ONTARIO

Nestled in the scenic hills of Oxford County, Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese is a testament to exceptional cheese-making. Owners Shep Ysselstein and Colleen Bator, inspired by Swiss techniques from the alpine town of Handeck, craft cheeses that have graced over 300 locations across Ontario. Each piece is a tribute to traditional methods, using the finest milk from neighboring Friesvale Farms.

Positioned near the Dairy Capital of Canada, Gunn's Hill not only offers a taste of world-class cheeses but also welcomes visitors for tours and insights into dairy farming and local agriculture. Dive into a world where Swiss traditions meet Canadian excellence, and every bite tells a story of passion and craftsmanship.

WOOLWICH GOAT DAIRY: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO CANADIAN EXCELLENCE

In 1983, the story of Woolwich Dairy began modestly with three family members, a handful of goats, and 10,000 litres of goat milk. Their first taste of success came when they showcased their goat delicacies at the esteemed St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. Finding its heart in Orangeville, Ontario, Woolwich Dairy rapidly journeyed from being a passionate local supplier to Canada's premier producer of goat dairy. Later, the renowned Saputo, Canada's largest cheese manufacturer, recognized their excellence and brought them into their fold. Through it all, the core of Woolwich Dairy remains unchanged: an unwavering passion and commitment to crafting exceptional goat dairy products.

SHAW'S ICE CREAM: LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN EVERY SCOOP

Founded by Carl Shaw in 1948 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Shaw's Ice Cream hit a rough patch in the early 2000s, only to be rejuvenated by the passionate McLaughlin Sisters in 2001. With their combined expertise and dedication to the original vision, they expanded Shaw's reach from local scoop shops to grocery stores across Canada. In 2019, they inaugurated a modern production facility in Tillsonburg, amplifying their commitment to quality. Today, Shaw's remains synonymous with nostalgic flavors, upholding its tradition of using 100% Canadian Dairy to craft the timeless ice cream Canadians adore.