Byrne Dairy has entered the booming yogurt business in upstate New York as its new yogurt production facility goes online this week in Cortland County.
The central New York dairy icon moves from a milk and ice cream company to one producing both tradition and Greek-style yogurt, as well as sour cream and cheese.
Yogurt, namely Greek yogurt, has been a boon for the dairy industry in upstate New York in recent years, led by Chobani and followed by others.
"The timing is such and we believe the market is such that it’s a good point of entry into the yogurt market." Said Jim Gosier, Byrne Dairy's chief counsel.
Byrne Dairy will be able to have an impact on the yogurt market while having to square off with central New York-based Chobani, Gosier said.
"The pie is big enough that we can all get a piece," he said.
Byrne Dairy will start out producing yogurt under different labels, such as grocery store brands, but Gosier says the creamery will roll out its own brand line later this year.
The 52,000 square foot facility will also have a visitors' center, which Gosier said should open in a few months.
