Turkey Hill Dairies, the Lancaster County manufacturer of premium ice creams and iced tea, is being sold by its parent company, Kroger to Peak Rock Capital, a Texas-based private equity firm.
Turkey Hill Dairy, the Lancaster County manufacturer of premium ice creams and iced tea, is being sold by its parent company, Kroger to Peak Rock Capital, a Texas-based private equity firm.
Peak Rock will continue to operate Turkey Hill out of the dairy’s facility in Conestoga, Pa.Advertisement
“Customers aren’t going to see any change or difference in the products and this won’t affect employment,” said Turkey Hill spokesman David Shoffner. “It’ll remain business as usual. Same great products same team. There are no great changes planned in the short term.”
The dairy, Shoffner said, has been for sale for more than a year. Turkey Hill distributes products in 49 states. “The only place we haven’t cracked yet is Hawaii.”
The selling price of the company was not divulged. Closing is expected during Kroger’s first quarter and the after-tax proceeds will be used to reduce debt, the company said in a release.
Turkey Hill Dairy was founded by farmer Armor Frey in 1931. Over five decades it expanded to include a chain of convenience stores. In 1985, supermarket giant Kroger bought both the dairy and Turkey Hill’s Minit Markets. In April 2018, Kroger sold off Turkey Hill’s 260 convenience stores to British gas station operator, EG Group.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
Ice cream lovers were dealt a blow recently when news broke that Kroger would discontinue carrying Turkey Hill ice cream. With a devoted fanbase built over decades, the loss of this iconic brand from a major grocery chain sparked concerns. Could this spell the end for Turkey Hill ice cream? Examining the facts reveals a more nuanced story.
The Kroger Dilemma
Kroger made the decision to drop Turkey Hill products based on internal business factors. As one of the largest US grocery retailers Kroger must constantly evaluate its mix of store brands and outside products. Discontinuing a beloved brand like Turkey Hill was undoubtedly a tough call but driven by Kroger’s own strategic plans rather than any issue with Turkey Hill itself.
This move impacts availability at Kroger’s 3600+ US stores But it’s important to remember Kroger is just one of many retailers carrying Turkey Hill ice cream
Turkey Hill’s Response
In response to the outcry from fans, Turkey Hill has acknowledged disappointment over the Kroger decision However, they’ve assured customers this is not a reflection on their brand. In statements, Turkey Hill reaffirmed their commitment to fans and announced plans to actively seek new distribution channels
The message is clear: Turkey Hill ice cream is here to stay. They remain dedicated to delivering the same quality fans have enjoyed for decades.
The Wider Retail Landscape
With or without Kroger, Turkey Hill ice cream remains widely available across the US. Major chains like Food Lion, Giant, Wegmans, and WaWa will continue carrying Turkey Hill products. The brand also has a large presence in convenience stores and independent grocers.
And Turkey Hill’s own Minit Markets provide an avenue to directly reach customers. So despite the Kroger loss, Turkey Hill still maintains a strong retail foothold.
The Loyal Fanbase
Importantly, Turkey Hill retains a passionate, loyal consumer base. An outpouring of support on social media showed fans still cherish the brand. Many commented the Kroger move wouldn’t stop them from seeking out their favorite flavors elsewhere.
This enduring goodwill and emotional connection speaks volumes. When consumers are willing to go out of their way for a brand, its future remains bright.
Financial Stability
As an established company since 1931, Turkey Hill has proven financial stability and staying power. They weathered challenging times before, including the Great Depression.
Turkey Hill Dairy is owned by Peak Rock Capital, a private equity firm. This provides resources to navigate the changing retail landscape. Rather than spelling doom, the Kroger decision could spark new growth opportunities.
The Bottom Line
While the headlines may sound dire, reports of Turkey Hill’s demise are greatly exaggerated. This iconic brand retains devoted fans, widespread distribution, financial backing and most importantly, an ongoing commitment to delivering happiness through ice cream.
Despite the Kroger breakup, Turkey Hill’s future remains bright. Ice cream lovers can rest assured their favorite flavors aren’t melting away anytime soon.
Is Turkey Hill Going Out of Business?
No, Turkey Hill ice cream is not going out of business. They remain committed to their fans and products despite losing Kroger as a retail partner.
Is Turkey Hill going out of business?
FAQ
Is Kroger discontinuing Turkey Hill ice cream?
Is Turkey Hill being bought out?
Is there a problem with Turkey Hill ice cream?
Who owns Turkey Hill ice cream?
The Brand: Turkey Hill was established over 85 years ago in Pennsylvania Dutch Country as a dairy brand. This company started as a family business, but is now owned by Kroger. Turkey Hill expanded to selling ice cream in 1980, and today they continue to sell a variety of drinks and dairy products.
Is Turkey Hill ice cream sustainable?
Turkey Hill is the fourth largest premium ice cream brand and one of the leading refrigerated iced tea brands in the nation. In 2019, the Turkey Hill facility, in Conestoga PA, made the switch to 100 percent renewable energy, drawing clean, sustainable power from nearby hydroelectric dams and two wind turbines.
What’s new at Turkey Hill ice cream?
CONESTOGA, Pa., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Just in time for baseball season, Turkey Hill, one of America’s favorite ice cream brands, is bringing back its most beloved and demanded flavor, Graham Slam –complete with graham flavor, delicious chocolate marshmallow cups and a graham cracker swirl.
Why should you invest in Turkey Hill ice cream?
“Turkey Hill represents an exciting opportunity to invest in a premier brand with an established reputation for quality, flavor variety and authenticity, within the large and growing ice cream and refrigerated drinks space,” noted Robert Pistilli, managing director of Austin, Texas-based Peak Rock.