Sargento, the top-selling natural cheese brand in the U.S., continues to innovate and grow under the leadership of third-generation CEO Louie Gentine. With $1.8 billion in annual sales, the family-owned company remains competitive in the cheese industry by investing in advertising and marketing for new products. Gentine emphasizes that these investments are not risky but rather strategic opportunities that have led to more successes than failures for Sargento.
Despite facing pressure from private label competitors and fluctuating milk prices, Sargento has maintained its position as a cheese powerhouse with a 13% market share. The company’s success can be attributed to its family-owned structure, with 60 shareholders all descendants of Dolores and Leonard Gentine. This ownership model has allowed Sargento to be more agile and opportunistic in a competitive industry dominated by larger players like Leprino Foods and Saputo.
Sargento’s growth and profitability in the cheese business are impressive, considering the slim margins in the industry. Gentine credits the company’s focus on quality control, natural formulations, and innovation for its continued success. Sargento’s commitment to advertising, logistical support, and product development has set it apart from other cheese brands and allowed it to maintain steady growth.
As Sargento faces competition from Kraft under Lactalis, the company remains focused on innovation, particularly in the snackable cheese market. Gentine anticipates continued growth of 5% per year for the next few years as Sargento expands its product offerings and acquires new businesses. In 2022, Sargento acquired Baker Cheese, one of the leading string cheese brands in the U.S., emphasizing the company’s long-term commitment to remaining a family-owned and operated business.
With a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term stability, Gentine ensures that Sargento remains a family affair, both in terms of its ownership structure and its corporate culture. The company’s dedication to its 2,600 employees is evident in its commitment to long-term investments and a family-oriented work environment. By focusing on sustainability and growth, Sargento aims to continue its legacy as a top player in the cheese industry for generations to come.
