What Cherry Grove Farm does

Cherry Grove Farm is a family-owned dairy and creamery operating on nearly 500 acres of preserved farmland in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Owned by the Hamill family (who have held the land since 1902 and began direct operation in 2002), the farm added dairy cattle in 2005 and now operates a farmstead cheesemaking model in which all milk is sourced from the farm's own herd and all cheese is made and aged on-site. The core product portfolio centers on ~10 varieties of raw-milk and pasteurized farmstead cheeses (Havilah, Havilah Reserve, Buttercup Brie, Herdsman, Toma, Abruzze Jawn, Rarebird, Ooumami, Trilby, Lawrenceville Jack), supplemented by grass-fed beef, whey-fed heritage pork, pastured eggs, and Cherry Grove Kitchen prepared foods. Aging is supported by USDA-funded natural-rind caves constructed in 2015, and regenerative practices (intensive rotational grazing, no inorganic inputs) underpin seasonal production that runs May through October.

The farm operates a hybrid go-to-market spanning direct-to-consumer (farm store open 7 days/week, Squarespace e-commerce, CSA subscription program, 7+ farmers markets across NJ and PA) and wholesale (five regional distributors, Whole Foods Market placement, farm-to-table restaurant partners including Nomad Pizza, The Meeting House, Brick Farm Tavern). Agritourism is a deliberate customer-acquisition channel, encompassing cheese making classes ($65-$110), homesteading workshops, farm tours, and the annual Cow Parade festival. Pricing is unit-based for cheese ($7.99-$15.99) and apparel ($20-$50), with subscription CSA shares at $150-$250 per season.

The business is run by a ~10-12 person team led by owner Oliver Hamill and head cheesemaker Paul Lawler (who developed the signature line after joining in 2014). Cherry Grove has accumulated a sustained record of national and international recognition, including American Cheese Society first-place awards (Buttercup Brie 2013, Abruzze Jawn 2015 and 2018, Havilah Reserve 2022), Good Food Foundation awards (Havilah 2020, Trilby 2024), and World Cheese Awards wins (Herdsman and Havilah Reserve, 2024). The farm is a member of the American Cheese Society, Good Food Guild, NJ Cheese Guild, and Cheese Coalition. The firm is privately held with no disclosed outside capital.

Name

Cherry Grove Farm

Legal name

Cherry Grove Farm

Website

https://cherrygrovefarm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cherry Grove Farm is a family-owned dairy and creamery on ~500 acres in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, producing award-winning farmstead cheeses, grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and pastured eggs, and selling through a farm store, online shop, farmers markets, CSA, and wholesale distributors serving NJ and PA consumers and restaurants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Farmstead Cheeses & Artisan Dairy

NAICS

Other Animal Production (1129)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020), Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)

akta.pro primary industry

Pasture-Based & Grazing Dairy Systems (AFAEACAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Farmstead & Local Artisan Food Markets (Retail Shops) (CRAHAGAO)

Keywords

• Farmstead cheese
• Grass-fed dairy
• Artisan cheesemaking
• Pasture-raised meats
• Agritourism experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Lawrenceville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Farmstead Cheese Sales: Direct-to-consumer and wholesale sales of award-winning raw-milk and pasteurized farmstead cheeses. Products sold online, at farm store, farmers markets, and through retailers including Whole Foods.
2. Pasture-Raised Meat Sales: Grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and heritage eggs sold at farm store and wholesale to restaurants and retailers.
3. Cheese Making Classes: Hands-on cheese making workshops including Mozzarella ($85), Burrata ($85), Ricotta ($95), and Paneer ($95) classes. Private group classes for 6-12 people starting at $510.
4. Agritourism Activities: Farm tours, hay rides, Cow Parade festival, farm dinners, yoga sessions, foraging classes, and other events that drive visitor engagement and retail sales.
5. CSA Membership Program: Community Supported Agriculture program offering curated cheese and gourmet boxes quarterly. Single summer shares (Calf $150, Cow $250) and full-year memberships with perks including free classes, merchandise, and event discounts.
6. Cherry Grove Kitchen Prepared Foods: Prepared foods including award-winning chili, seasonal soups, hand pies, and desserts made in-house weekly using farm ingredients and local produce.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cherry Grove Farm is a family-owned dairy and creamery on nearly 500 acres of preserved Central New Jersey farmland that raises its own herd and produces award-winning farmstead cheeses, grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and heritage eggs. The farm operates a year-round farm store, online shop, seasonal farmers markets, and a CSA, while also offering hands-on cheese making classes, homesteading workshops, farm tours, and agritourism events.

Product overview

Cherry Grove Farm is a family-owned dairy and creamery making award-winning farmstead cheese in Central New Jersey. The operation uses a farmstead cheesemaking model where they raise and milk their own herd on nearly 500 acres of preserved farmland, then make and age all cheese on-site. Their core product portfolio centers on farmstead cheeses (raw-milk and pasteurized varieties including Havilah, Havilah Reserve, Buttercup Brie, Herdsman, Toma, Abruzze Jawn, Rarebird, Ooumami, Trilby, and Lawrenceville Jack), complemented by grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and pastured eggs from their regenerative farm. They offer experiential add-ons including cheese making classes, homesteading workshops, farm tours, seasonal events like Cow Parade, and a CSA program. Cherry Grove Kitchen produces prepared foods made from farm ingredients. The farm also sells merchandise and curated gift baskets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Farmstead Cheeses Raw-milk and pasteurized farmstead cheeses made from the farm's own herd's milk, capturing seasonal flavors of New Jersey terroir. Varieties include Havilah, Havilah Reserve, Buttercup Brie, Herdsman, Toma, Abruzze Jawn, Rarebird, Ooumami, Trilby, and Lawrenceville Jack. Recognized by the American Cheese Society, Good Food Awards, and World Cheese Awards.
• Grass-Fed Beef Pasture-raised beef from a mixed-breed herd raised alongside milking cows, given fresh grass daily and rotated through fields for optimal forage.
• Whey-Fed Heritage Pork Heritage pork from Tamworth, Old Spot, and Berkshire pigs fed whey leftover from cheesemaking, providing a unique flavor profile.
• Pastured Heritage Eggs Fresh eggs from pasture-raised laying flock (Rhode Island Reds, Australops, and Americaunas) with mobile coop moved through pastures.
• Cherry Grove Kitchen Prepared Foods Rotating line of seasonal soups, sauces, side dishes, and desserts made from scratch with local ingredients by CIA-trained cooks. Includes award-winning Farmhouse Chili, Pasture-Raised Bolognese, mac and cheese, hand pies, seasonal soups, and baked goods.
• Cheese Making Classes Hands-on cheese making workshops including Mozzarella from Scratch ($85), Mozzarella Stretch with Burrata ($85), Ricotta Making & Meal ($95), and Making & Cooking with Paneer ($95). Private group classes for 6-12 people start at $510. Taught by farm cheesemakers.
• Homesteading Classes Skills-based workshops including Sourdough Bread Making ($90), Hand Made Pasta ($110), Foraging & Feasting ($80), Basket Weaving ($80), Eco-Printing ($100), Fire Cider & Herbal Vinegars ($70), and The Healing Garden ($65).
• Farm Tours Private guided tours of the farm covering sustainable farming, dairy operations, farmstead cheesemaking, humane animal husbandry, and ecosystem management. Includes 30-minute and 60-minute options.
• Cherry Grove Farm CSA Membership Community Supported Agriculture program offering curated cheese and gourmet boxes quarterly. Single summer shares (Calf $150, Cow $250) and full-year memberships with perks including free classes, CGF merchandise, and event discounts.
• Gift Baskets Curated gift baskets including The Amuse Bouche ($34-40), Milk & Honey ($75), The Perfect Pair ($55), Bee Well ($55-90), The Charcuterie Board ($75), The Jersey ($80), and The Whole Herd ($85), featuring farmstead cheeses and local artisanal products.
• Branded Merchandise Branded apparel and accessories including T-shirts ($20), hoodies ($50), crew neck sweatshirts ($40), long sleeve tees ($35), bucket hats ($30), and baseball caps ($22) featuring farm illustrations by local artists.

Quantifiable outcome

• American Cheese Society first-place awards for Buttercup Brie (2013), Abruzze Jawn (2015, 2018), Havilah Reserve (2022)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FarmArtcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProduce distributor partner that helps distribute Cherry Grove Farm cheeses and meats to restaurants and retailers in the region.
• Harvest DropcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional produce and specialty foods distributor working with Cherry Grove Farm to distribute their products.
• Third Wheel Cheese Co.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty cheese distributor focused on artisan producers, distributing Cherry Grove Farm cheeses to retailers and restaurants.
• Julius SilvertcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty foods distributor distributing Cherry Grove Farm products in the regional market.
• Zone 7coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFresh produce and specialty foods distributor working with Cherry Grove Farm for regional distribution.
• Cherry Grove Organic FarmminorOthersSeparate entity sharing the same name and land. Located at 11 Carter Road (around the corner from Cherry Grove Farm). Sells organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs and offers a CSA. Referrals between the two farms.
• Nomad PizzacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant featuring Cherry Grove Farm cheeses on their menu. Part of the farm-to-table restaurant partners.
• The Meeting HousecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant partner featuring Cherry Grove Farm cheeses on their menu in Princeton, NJ.
• Brick Farm TaverncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarm-to-table restaurant partner featuring Cherry Grove Farm cheeses and meats in Hopewell, NJ.
• Ironbound CidercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft cider producer partnering with Cherry Grove Farm for cider and cheese pairing events and classes. Dan and Cam from Ironbound co-host tasting events at the farm.
• Dad's Hat Rye WhiskeyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Pennsylvania distillery whose rye whiskey is used to wash Trilby cheese during maturation. Herman, the distiller, is described as a longtime friend and neighbor.
• Outstanding in the FieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoving restaurant organization that sets up farm dinners at the source. Collaborating with Cherry Grove Farm to host a farm dinner on September 6th (event listed as 2026), bringing diners to the farm for an immersive farm-to-table experience.
• Good Food FoundationminorOthersOrganization running the Good Food Awards and Good Food Guild. Cherry Grove Farm is a proud member of the Good Food Guild.
• American Cheese SocietyminorOthersProfessional association for artisan cheese makers. Cherry Grove Farm is a member and has won multiple ACS awards.
• NJ Cheese GuildminorOthersRegional industry association for New Jersey cheese makers. Cherry Grove Farm is a member.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Whole Foods Market: Not a competitor but a key retail customer/distribution channel for Cherry Grove Farm cheeses including Buttercup Brie across NJ locations. Relevant as the gatekeeper for broader specialty cheese retail expansion.

Direct peers

• Rogue Creamery: Oregon-based artisan and farmstead blue cheese maker with national distribution and a portfolio of award-winning cheeses (including World Cheese Award winners). Comparable specialty cheese focus with wholesale and DTC channels.
• Vermont Creamery: One of the most recognized farmstead and artisan cheesemakers in the U.S., acquired by Land O'Lakes. Same farmstead-style cheese model with national wholesale distribution, direct-to-consumer, and class offerings. Comparable scale and channel mix.
• Cypress Grove: California-based specialty cheese maker (acquired by Emmi Group) known for fresh and aged goat and cow milk cheeses. Comparable specialty cheese producer with national distribution and broad retail relationships.
• Jasper Hill Farm: Vermont-based farmstead cheesemaker with on-site aging caves (including the renowned Cellars at Jasper Hill) and award-winning cheese portfolio. Highly comparable farmstead operation, similar regenerative practices, and similar aging-cave infrastructure to Cherry Grove's USDA-funded cave.
• Cricket Creek Farm: Massachusetts-based farmstead cheese operation where Cherry Grove head cheesemaker Paul Lawler trained. Practically the same model: small-scale farmstead cheesemaking from own herd, on-farm store, agritourism. Direct model comparable.
• Birchrun Hills Farm: Pennsylvania-based small farmstead cheesemaker producing raw and pasteurized cow's milk cheeses with on-farm sales and farmers market distribution. Comparable regional farmstead model in the mid-Atlantic.
• Cowgirl Creamery: California-based artisan creamery producing farmstead and specialty cheeses with strong DTC retail presence and wholesale distribution. Comparable business model combining farmstead production with retail/wholesale channels.

Broad incumbents

• Cabot Creamery: Large Vermont-based dairy cooperative producing a wide range of cheeses (and butter) with national distribution. Operates at much larger scale but competes in some of the same specialty cheese cases where Cherry Grove is placed.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Cherry Grove Farm