Sargento, a family-owned cheese company based in Wisconsin, continues to lead the U.S. cheese industry with $1.8 billion in annual sales. Under the leadership of third-generation CEO Louie Gentine, the company has seen significant growth in market share and profits. The company’s focus on advertising and innovation has allowed it to maintain its position as America’s top-selling natural cheese brand.
Family ownership is a key factor in Sargento’s success, as it gives the company an edge in the competitive cheese industry. With 100% family ownership and a total of 60 shareholders, all descendants of Dolores and Leonard Gentine, Sargento has remained independent and agile. This has allowed the company to take advantage of opportunities in the market and increase its market share over the years.
In a market dominated by larger cheese companies like Lactalis, Saputo, and Leprino Foods, Sargento has carved out its own niche as a smaller, more nimble player. By focusing on quality, innovation, and advertising, the company has been able to grow its profits and market share. Sargento’s commitment to remaining a family-owned business is reflected in its acquisitions and its treatment of employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
Under Louie Gentine’s leadership, Sargento has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. The company’s recent acquisition of Baker Cheese, a leading string cheese brand, is a testament to its commitment to growth and long-term success. Gentine expects Sargento to continue growing by 5% a year for the next few years, driven by its focus on snackable cheese and other innovative products.
Despite increasing competition from companies like Kraft under Lactalis, Sargento remains focused on staying ahead of the curve and maintaining its competitive edge. With a strong emphasis on quality, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being, Sargento is poised to continue its success in the U.S. cheese industry for years to come. Louie Gentine’s vision for the company is rooted in its family-owned legacy and commitment to excellence in everything it does.
