Tulip Tree Creamery

What Tulip Tree Creamery does

Tulip Tree Creamery is an artisan cheese and butter producer founded in 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana by Fons Smits and Laura Davenport. The company crafts European-style specialty cheeses and cultured butter using fresh pasteurized cow milk sourced from Indiana family farms — primarily Country Meadows Farm (A2 genetics, non-GMO feed) and supplemented by Ayrshire Farms. Production uses vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet (Marzyme Supreme derived from Rhizomucor miehei fermentation) and traditional affinage techniques including cave aging in temperature and humidity-controlled environments. The product portfolio exceeds 20 SKUs spanning soft-ripened bloomy-rind cheeses (Trillium, Snapdragon, Foxglove), aged Alpine-style cheeses (Milkweed, Nightshade, Dutch Tulip, Blazing Star), blue cheese (Larkspur), fresh cheeses (Nettle, Fromage Frais, Bovre), a rotating beer cheese line (Hops) made with eight Indiana brewery partners, Latin-inspired varieties (Marigold), and award-winning cultured butter. Specialty products like Queen Anne's Lace and Tiger Lily are available via special order with minimum quantities and extended lead times.

The business operates through a diversified multi-channel model. Wholesale distribution flows through more than ten regional and national distributor partners including Fortune Fish Gourmet (Midwest), World's Best Cheese (Northeast/West Coast), Tony's Fine Foods (West Coast), European Imports (nationwide), Piazza Produce (Indiana), and Catanese Classics (Ohio), with Faire.com as a secondary marketplace channel. Direct-to-consumer revenue comes from the on-site retail shop at the Indianapolis production facility (6330 Corporate Dr., Suite D), more than ten farmers markets across central Indiana, and a nationwide e-commerce shipping operation (FedEx/UPS, ships Monday-Tuesday weekly). Service revenue is generated from hands-on cheese-making classes priced at $75-$90 per person and $1,020-$1,800 for private groups, a corporate holiday gift box program with three tiers ($100-$200) and custom branding, and consulting services at $75/hr or $500/day for aspiring cheesemakers.

The company has earned consistent recognition since 2015 across major dairy competitions including American Cheese Society awards (Gold for Trillium in 2018 and 2022), World Cheese Awards (Super Gold for Nightshade in 2024), Good Food Awards, Culture Magazine, and a James Beard Better Burger Competition win. Tulip Tree is privately held and founder-owned with 11-50 employees, no external venture capital, and modest non-dilutive funding from Center for Dairy Research grants in 2023 and 2024.

Name

Tulip Tree Creamery

Legal name

Tulip Tree Creamery LLC

Website

https://tuliptreecreamery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tulip Tree Creamery is an Indianapolis-based artisan cheese and cultured butter producer, founded in 2014, selling over 20 hand-crafted European-style cheese varieties through wholesale distributors, farmers markets, an on-site retail shop, nationwide e-commerce, cheese-making classes, and corporate gift programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisan Cheese and Specialty Dairy

NAICS

Cheese Manufacturing (311513), Creamery Butter Manufacturing (311512)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020)

akta.pro primary industry

Cheese Manufacturing (AFAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fresh/Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Unripened & Soft) (AFAHABAA), Ripened Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Semi-Soft, Hard & Blue) (AFAHABAB)

Keywords

• Artisan cheese production
• Cultured butter
• Cheese making classes
• Specialty dairy products
• Washed rind cheese

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Distribution: Products sold through distributor partners to retailers including supermarkets, gourmet shops, wine shops, cheese shops, and butcher shops across the US with heavier distribution in Midwest, East Coast, and West Coast.
2. Direct Retail Sales: Products sold directly to consumers through retail shop at production facility (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm) and farmers markets in Indianapolis area (10+ markets across central Indiana).
3. E-commerce / Online Ordering: Direct online sales through company website with shipping to customers nationwide. Ships every Monday & Tuesday to ensure freshness. Orders must be in by Tuesday 11am EST for same-week shipping.
4. Cheese Making Classes: Hands-on educational classes at facility including Fresh Mozzarella ($75/person), Ricotta & Burrata ($85/person), Butter ($75/person), Gouda ($90/person), and Cheddar ($90/person). Private classes also available with pricing starting at $1,020 for groups up to 12.
5. Corporate Gift Boxes: Bulk holiday and corporate gift box programs with three tiers: Petal Collection ($100), Bloom Collection ($150), and Bouquet Collection ($200), including custom printed cards and shipping.
6. Consulting Services: Cheesemaking and creamery consulting services including phone consultation ($75/hr), in-person consulting at creamery, and on-site consulting at customer facilities ($75/hr or $500/day plus travel expenses).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Tulip Tree Creamery is a small-batch, hand-crafted artisan cheese and cultured butter producer based in Indianapolis. It makes 20+ European-style cheeses from fresh pasteurized cow's milk sourced from Indiana family farms using vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet, and complements these products with hands-on cheese-making classes, corporate gift boxes, cheese-cake event orders, and dairy consulting services.

Product overview

Tulip Tree Creamery is an artisanal cheese and butter maker that offers a portfolio of handcrafted European-style cheeses and cultured butter. The core product lineup includes soft-ripened cheeses (Trillium, Snapdragon, Foxglove), aged cheeses (Milkweed, Nightshade, Dutch Tulip, Blazing Star, Larkspur), fresh cheeses (Nettle, Fromage Frais, Bovre), and specialty items like Hops beer cheese and Marigold. The company also produces Cultured Butter and offers special order cheeses (Queen Anne's Lace, Tiger Lily) for events. Beyond products, Tulip Tree provides experiential services including cheese making classes at multiple skill levels, corporate holiday gift box programs, cheese cake orders for events, and consulting services for aspiring cheesemakers. All products are made using vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet with milk sourced from Indiana family farms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trillium Luxurious triple-cream, bloomy-rind cheese inspired by French Camembert and Brie; soft, buttery texture with rich, decadent flavors and gentle lactic undertones. 8 oz squares made with pasteurized cow milk. Won US Championship Cheese Contest (98.85, 2019), multiple ACS Gold/Silver awards, World Cheese Awards Silver (2019), and Good Food Awards (2017).
• Foxglove Double-cream washed-rind cheese inspired by Epoisses; soft when young, becoming runny/scoopable with age. Earthy, pungent flavors with distinctive orange rind created by cultures, yeast, salt, and beer. Good Food Award winner (2024) and finalist (2021).
• Snapdragon Bold triple-cream mold-ripened cheese generously filled with habanero peppers, balancing rich buttery decadence with fiery heat. 8 oz squares made with pasteurized cow milk.
• Milkweed Alpine-style cheese inspired by classic Gruyère with harmonious sweet and nutty flavors and firm yet creamy texture. Aged 3–6 months in ~5 pound wheels and 5 oz cuts. Good Food Award winner (2021); World Cheese Awards Bronze (2024).
• Nightshade Long-aged washed-curd cheese inspired by Old Amsterdam; rich, full-flavored with sharp hints balanced by deep caramel undertones and a smooth, firm texture. Aged at least 7 months, sometimes over 12 months. World Cheese Awards Super Gold (2024); Good Food Award winner (2022).
• Dutch Tulip Traditional Dutch-style cheese inspired by Gouda, aged 30 days with a smooth, creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and mild buttery finish. Semi-soft with natural rind.
• Hops Semi-soft, double-cream cheese infused with flavors of local Indiana brewery beers; each batch crafted with a different beer for unique characteristics with every release. ACS Blue Ribbon winner (2018).
• Marigold Latin-inspired cheese flavored with Mexican spices including oregano, green jalapeño, epazote leaves, and guajillo chili powder. Savory and spicy profile with confident, layered heat and herbal depth. ACS Silver award winner (2025).
• Blazing Star Classic mild Indiana cheddar aged a minimum of three months, with smooth, supple texture and a gentle, slightly nutty flavor. Natural-rind cheddar crafted from Indiana milk.
• Larkspur Intense and creamy blue cheese made with rich cow's milk from Country Meadows farm, inspired by Roquefort and Bleu d'Auvergne with buttery texture, tangy flavor, and delicate sweetness. ~5 pound wheels.
• Nettle Fresh, bright cow's milk cheese with light, crumbly texture reminiscent of classic chèvre. Clean and tangy with refreshing, milky flavor. Hand-rolled in mint, garlic, salt, and tender nettle leaves. 6 oz pieces. ACS winner (2016).
• Fromage Frais Soft, creamy, fresh cheese made from whole cow's milk and cream with savory herbs (basil, garlic, dill, pepper chervil, salt, pepper). Lactose removed through lactase addition. 8 oz tubs. ACS winner (2016).
• Bovre Fresh herb cheese used in various recipes including Chorizo Polenta Skillet and Eggplant Cannelloni.
• Cultured Butter Rich, traditional-style butter made from slowly cultured cream and finished with a pinch of sea salt. Deeper, more complex flavor than standard sweet-cream butter with gentle tangy notes and a velvety, smooth texture. ACS Award winner (2024).
• Queen Anne's Lace Delicate yet decadent Geotrichum-rind cheese with rich, yeasty flavor and ultra-creamy texture. Soft, velvety rind giving way to a luscious interior. Pairs with honey, pears, apples, jam, chocolate, and crusty bread. 6 oz squares. Special order with 120 pc minimum and ~5 week lead time. World Cheese Awards Silver (2024); International Cheese Festival Gold (2021); International Cheese & Dairy Awards Silver (2022).
• Tiger Lily Uniquely creamy washed-rind cheese blending French Tomme and Italian Taleggio styles. Rich, velvety texture with a distinctive rind and complex earthy, savory, indulgent flavor. Special order with 120 pc minimum and ~8 week lead time.
• Cheese Making Classes Hands-on cheese-making classes at the creamery facility for individuals and private groups up to 20 people. Public classes via Eventbrite cover Fresh Mozzarella ($75/person, Level 1), Ricotta & Burrata ($85/person, Level 1), Butter ($75/person, Level 1), Gouda ($90/person, Level 2, prerequisite required), and Cheddar ($90/person, Level 3, prerequisites required). Private classes start at $1,020 for groups up to 12.
• Corporate Holiday Gift Boxes Bulk holiday and corporate gift box program with three collection tiers: Petal Collection ($100, 3 artisan cheeses + 1 local accompaniment), Bloom Collection ($150, 5 artisan cheeses + 2 accompaniments + toasts + salame), and Bouquet Collection ($200, 7 artisan cheeses + all 3 accompaniments). Includes custom printed cards, logoed Tulip Tree Cheese Bags, and shipping.
• Cheese Cakes (Wheels for Events) Cheese wheels available for use as wedding or special event cheese cakes. Available cheeses include Trillium, Chicory, Tiger Lily, Hops, Haymaids, and Nightshade. Size options range from 3" wheels (10 oz, 5–10 servings) to 8.5" wheels (112 oz, 56–112 servings).
• Consulting Services Cheesemaking and creamery consulting services for aspiring cheese makers and operators. Topics include cheese making, setting up creameries, health departments, farmers markets, distributors, and wholesalers. Phone consultation $75/hr; in-person at the creamery; on-site at customer facility $75/hr or $500/day plus travel expenses ($37/hr travel time).
• Gift Certificates Gift certificates available for purchase via Square, redeemable for in-person purchases at the retail shop or farmers markets, online product orders, or gifting a cheese-making class.

Quantifiable outcome

• Consistently recognized with multiple major awards annually since 2015
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ayrshire FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Family-run Ayrshire farm providing high-quality milk. Cows graze on 17 acres April-October, housed in free-stall barns in winter. All forage grown on farm, with non-GMO grain from local sources. Owners Tim & Grace Aprill - first generation Indiana farmers.
• Big Lug (Nora Brewing)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Indiana brewery partnership for beer cheese production. Collaboration involves Tulip Tree using brewery's Paw Paw Porter to infuse into semi-soft beer cheese. Beer/cheese trade or purchase arrangement available.
• Sun King BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndianapolis brewery partner for beer cheese program. Uses Shadow Proof beer in cheese production. Reciprocal arrangement for beer delivery and cheese return.
• Field BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndiana brewery partner providing Pitter Patter Porter for beer cheese production. 5 growlers typically used per batch.
• Bier BreweryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Indiana brewery partner contributing John's Porter for beer cheese production.
• St. Joseph's BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndiana brewery partner providing Prophecy Porter for beer cheese production.
• Metazoa BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndiana brewery partner contributing Dalmatian beer for beer cheese production.
• Guggman Haus BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndiana brewery partner providing Winners Drink Milk beer for beer cheese production.
• Upland BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndiana brewery partner providing Bock Ness Monster Doppelbock for beer cheese production.
• Country Meadows FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary milk supplier providing fresh milk from Jersey/crossbreed cows in northeastern Indiana. Farms A2 genetics, non-GMO feed, pasture-raised with high forage-based diet. 6th generation Indiana farm partnership.
• Prairie Farms Co-opminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCream supplier for butter production. Located in Anderson, Indiana. Committed to sustainability and animal care with no antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.
• Dandy Breeze CreameryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOccasional milk supplier from Sheridan, Indiana. Small herd of 40-50 Jersey cows in process of becoming Certified Humane.
• The Bloomy RindcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor partner covering Nashville area. Phone: 615-429-9648.
• Catanese Classics Seafood & SpecialtycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Cleveland and Ohio. Address: 15500 S. Waterloo Rd. Suite 104, Cleveland, OH 44110. Phone: 216-696-0080. Business hours: M-F 8am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm.
• European ImportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNation-wide distribution via Chicago hub. Phone: 800-323-3464.
• Evan's MeatscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering southeastern states from Louisiana to Florida. Phone: 205-324-6666.
• Food Matters AgaincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering New York City, Bay Area and additional regions. Address: 21 Provost St., Brooklyn, NY 11222. Phone: 718-361-3183.
• Fortune Fish GourmetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Midwest and beyond via Chicago and Minneapolis hubs. Phone: 630-860-7100.
• Gourmet ImportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Los Angeles, CA area. Warehouse: 961 S. Meridian Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803. Phone: 866-924-3373.
• Gourmet Foods InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNationwide distribution via Atlanta hub. Phone: 800-966-6172. Email: [email protected].
• The Fish GuysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Minneapolis area. Phone: 612-339-7720.
• Fox River DairyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering St. Louis area. Phone: 314-382-8700. Email: [email protected].
• Piazza ProducecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Indiana and portions of surrounding states (Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky). Phone: 317-872-0101.
• World's Best CheesecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Northeast and West Coast. Phone: 914-273-1400.
• Tony's Fine FoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in Artisan Cheese Program covering West Coast. Phone: 916-374-4000.
• Indiana Cheese TrailminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional artisan cheese trail initiative connecting cheese makers and consumers in Indiana. Tulip Tree is an active participant promoting local cheese culture and education.
• Faire.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWholesale marketplace platform for retailers unable to meet distributor minimums. Alternative ordering channel for wholesale customers.
• EventbriteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTicketing platform for public cheese making classes. Classes posted monthly with direct consumer booking capabilities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jasper Hill Farm: Cabot, Vermont-based award-winning artisan cheese maker producing a wide range of washed-rind, bloomy-rind, and aged cheeses with strong national specialty distribution. Highly comparable as a craft-focused, award-credentialed cheese producer competing for similar specialty retail and foodservice customers.
• Rogue Creamery: Central Point, Oregon-based artisan cheesemaker famous for its blue cheeses and aged varieties with nationwide distribution. Comparable as a craft dairy with deep award recognition, broad specialty retail footprint, and similar European-style cheesemaking approach.
• Cypress Grove: Arcata, California-based specialty cheese maker known for fresh goat cheese and bloomy-rind varieties with national distribution. Directly comparable as a craft cheesemaker with strong brand recognition and similar specialty retail channels.
• Vermont Creamery: Websterville, Vermont-based artisan creamery producing fresh and aged cheeses plus cultured butter. Closely comparable given Tulip Tree's similar mix of cultured butter, fresh cheeses, and aged varieties, with overlapping specialty distribution channels.
• Cowgirl Creamery: Petaluma, California-based artisan cheesemaker producing European-style cheeses and cultured butter with strong West Coast distribution. Comparable given co-founder Fons Smits' prior tenure there and the similar craft positioning and product mix.
• Beecher's Handmade Cheese: Seattle-based artisan cheesemaker with retail locations and nationwide wholesale distribution of European-style cheeses. Comparable as a craft cheese brand with strong consumer awareness, retail shop experience, and foodservice presence.
• Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company: Point Reyes, California-based farmstead cheesemaker producing aged and specialty cheeses with single-origin milk sourcing. Comparable as a vertically integrated, award-winning artisan producer with national distribution and farm-direct milk sourcing.
• Shelburne Farms: Shelburne, Vermont-based farmstead cheesemaker producing aged, award-winning artisan cheeses with national distribution. Comparable as a craft dairy with similar cheesemaking philosophy, farm-direct milk sourcing, and specialty retail footprint.

Regional players

• Trader's Point Creamery: Zionsville, Indiana-based farmstead creamery producing artisan cheeses and dairy products in the Midwest. Directly comparable as an Indiana-based craft dairy, and relevant because co-founder Fons Smits previously cheesemaked there.

Broad incumbents

• Murray's Cheese: New York City-based specialty cheese retailer and wholesaler with nationwide mail order and class programming. Comparable given the overlapping specialty cheese retail, mail-order, and educational classes business lines, though broader and more retail-focused than Tulip Tree.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TulipTreeCheese
• Facebookfacebook.com/tuliptreecreamery
• Instagraminstagram.com/tuliptreecreamery
• Pinterestpinterest.com/tuliptreecreame
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tulip-tree-creamery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tulip Tree Creamery