Sunrise Strategic Partners takes minority stake in grass-fed dairy brand Maple Hill

23-Nov-2016 - Last updated on 23-Nov-2016 at 17:01 GMT

Sunrise Strategic Partners - a Colorado-based accelerator of emerging brands co-founded by Steve Hughes and Trilantic North America - has made a minority investment in grass-fed organic dairy brand Maple Hill, which makes whole milk yogurts, kefir, cheeses, and milk in New York State.

“We are committed to growing a community of regenerative grass farmers and demonstrating how 100% grass-fed dairy is the 'new' organic by benefitting the cows, consumers, the farmers and the land," said CEO Tim Joseph, who claims that third-party tests show Maple Hill products contain a more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids and higher levels of beta-carotene than regular dairy products.

“We look forward to leveraging the Sunrise team's operational expertise and industry relationships to grow the brand."

One of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the natural channel, Maple Hill products are now available in 6,000+ retailers across the US, from Whole Foods, Natural Grocers and Sprouts to select Kroger banners, as well as thousands of independent grocers and specialty retailers, said Sunrise co-founder and CEO Steve Hughes.

This marks the fifth investment for Boulder-based Sunrise, which provides growth capital and expertise to early stage health and wellness brands.