GRANDE, THE ITALIAN WORD FOR GREATNESS

In 1941, Filippo Candela, along with a small group of friends and family, created Grande with the purpose of making “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy.” As the primary cheesemaker of this new company, Filippo’s dedication to his craft would become foundational in the development of Grande Italian artisan cheeses.

Through humble beginnings, they perfected Italian eating and grazing cheeses, and later as America’s love for pizza grew, so too would their mozzarella business. From there, as they say…the rest is history.

INSPIRED AND PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR MISSION

For decades, Grande has worked with Wisconsin’s finest dairy producers and our talented team of Cheesemakers in creating world-class, artisan Italian cheese. Our products are used coast-to-coast in some of the best, independently-owned pizzerias and Italian restaurants. From our dedicated Sales Associates in the field, to those hand-crafting cheese in our facilities, we have a passion for consistently delivering exceptional products to our customers, while seeking ways to bolster and support their businesses.

In the early years, Grande crafted aged, Italian cheese such as Provolone and Romano. Today, we also manufacture Mozzarella, Parmesan, Burrata, Asiago, and more. In addition, we offer specialty whey ingredients which solve the formulation challenges faced by food-and-beverage manufacturers including upholding cleaner/natural labeling, improved nutritional value, and enhanced texture of their products.

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DEEPLY COMMITTED AND CONNECTED TO OUR CULTURE

While what we do is important, we believe how we go about delivering our commitments to producers, customers and Associates is of equal merit. Grande’s greatness is a direct result of our unwavering commitment to our company Culture. The relationships we build with our customers, the dedication we have for growing and supporting our Associates, and the extra care we provide to the communities in which we live, work, and play all serve as examples of Grande’s passion for people.

Our dedication is best reflected in Grande’s Mission and Culture Statements (see below), which are foundational doctrines within Grande. And while these statements are reflective of what we do and how we go about it, these commitments are best articulated through the pillars of Grande’s Social Responsibility platform outlined below.

GRANDE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PILLARS

BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY

Our drive to fulfill the commitments of our Mission and Culture ensures that we are constantly progressing; continuously learning from our past and innovating for the future. While a flourishing business is something we are proud of – we are incredibly passionate about what this means for our producer partners, customers, and Associates. When we succeed, so do they!

ASSOCIATE EXCELLENCE

Our Associates are the heart of our business. The workplace lifecycle of each Associate is unique, and it is our intention to create an environment where Associates have the appropriate resources and support in place to find success—from their first day on the job through retirement. This includes investing in their personal and professional development, supporting their health and well-being, committing to their financial security, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

“The fulfillment of a purpose greater than ourselves” (as referenced in our Culture Statement) …while this statement takes on many meanings, the common denominator is that our Associates are deeply committed to our communities. From financially supporting regional events and not-for-profit agencies, to rolling up our sleeves and doing the work, Grande is invested in making our communities the best they can be.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

We see environmental sustainability as a critical means to reduce the overall environmental impact of our procurement, manufacturing, and distribution processes, both now and in the future. As stated in our Grande Social Responsibility Report (found below) “while we may not be able to change the world, we can change the world around us.” As a leading partner in the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, we are committed to doing our part.

PILLAR 1: BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY

Our drive to fulfill the commitments of our Mission and Culture ensures that we are constantly progressing; continuously learning from our past and innovating for the future. While a flourishing business is something we are proud of – we are incredibly passionate about what this means for our producer partners, customers, and Associates. When we succeed, so do they!

PILLAR 2: ASSOCIATE EXCELLENCE

Our Associates are the heart of our business. The workplace lifecycle of each Associate is unique, and it is our intention to create an environment where Associates have the appropriate resources and support in place to find success—from their first day on the job through retirement. This includes investing in their personal and professional development, supporting their health and well-being, committing to their financial security, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

PILLAR 3: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

“The fulfillment of a purpose greater than ourselves”…while” (as referenced in our Culture Statement) …while this statement takes on many meanings, the common denominator is that our Associates are deeply committed to our communities. From financially supporting regional events and not-for-profit agencies, to rolling up our sleeves and doing the work, Grande is invested in making our communities the best they can be.

PILLAR 4: ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

We see environmental sustainability as a critical means to reduce the overall environmental impact of our procurement, manufacturing, and distribution processes, both now and in the future. As stated in our Grande Social Responsibility Report (found below) “while we may not be able to change the world, we can change the world around us.” As a leading partner in the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, we are committed to doing our part.

Grande’s Mission & Culture Statements

Grande’s Mission is to build, through outstanding performance of value-added strategies, a world-class dairy products trademark that generates the profits and capital necessary to reinvest in the future and the continuing process of fulfilling the commitments of our Culture.

Grande’s Culture is based on pride in professional excellence, respect for rights of Associates, a commitment to strengthen the financial security of all dedicated Associates, and the fulfillment of a purpose greater than ourselves.

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT

Our Social Responsibility Report is another example of how Grande lives out it’s Mission & Culture statements.

We began formally reporting on our social responsibility efforts in 2013 and while many things have changed since that time, our dedication to fulfilling the commitments of our Mission and Culture has not. The constant transformation of sustainability practices, global competition for talent, and navigation of a world pandemic serve as a constant reminder that our work around sustainability must never cease.

View 2022 Report
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