The milk at Stewart’s Shops was named the best in New York state by the Cornell University Department of Food Science.
The award was presented on Dairy Day, Sept. 1, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse as part of Cornell’s New York State Milk Quality Improvement Program.
“We work hard to produce a great product. This award validates everything we do every day on the farm,” said Travis Smith, of Smith Dairy, a third generation dairy producer that supplies milk to Stewart’s Shops. “We focus on cleanliness, which is a top priority when it comes to getting the best quality milk. I love that our milk stays local and feeds my neighbors and my family.”
Cornell collected samples from New York state plants in October and May. The samples of whole milk, 2 percent, 1 percent, and fat free milk were scored on various criteria, including best flavor. Milk samples are judged on microbial analyses, fat determination, freezing point and flavor. Stewart’s Shops proudly took top honors in the milk category.
According to Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake: “My grandfather and his brother started this business as a dairy company over 100 years ago. We take great pride in the quality of our dairy products and providing fresh and local milk to our customers. This award would not be possible without our hard-working dairy farmers and experienced dairy team.”
Stewart’s works with 20 local dairy farms to source raw milk. They pick up the milk daily, process and bottle it themselves at their manufacturing plant in Greenfield.
To celebrate, Stewart’s Shops is giving out double punches on Milk Club cards from Monday, Sept. 5 to Sunday, Sept 11.
Customers will get one punch for every half gallon they buy, and two punches for every gallon. And it’s not just milk — Stewart’s half gallon juices and refresher’s count, too. Ten punches earn a free half gallon of milk, juice, or drink or half priced gallon of milk.
Stewart’s was founded in 1945 and is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga. There are more than 350 Stewart’s Shops located across 32 upstate counties and southern Vermont.
