Canadian Artisan Cheese Company – Back Forty – For Sale

Recently I received an email from one of my blog followers:

My name is Jim Keith and I am Back Forty Artisan Cheese.  I just wanted to let you know that I am selling my little farm here in Lanark together with Back Forty Artisan Cheese, or separately.  It’s a great little established cheesemaking business for someone who wanted to get into the industry at a very reasonable cost.   If you hear of anyone who might be interested, please steer them my way.

I ended up talking to Jim and he has a nice little cheese company that he started with his wife. He’s ready for a change and is offering his cheese business for sale.

His cheese business was launched in 1999 and continues to grow. Back Forty specializes in sheep’s milk cheeses. Back Forty Cheese has been served to visiting dignitaries and heads of state, at Rideau Hall. Jim’s cheeses are sold in the finest shops and restaurants.

Jim is selling his property and his business privately.

He is asking $179,00 for his home and his 11.8 acre property which includes a charming renovated farmhouse with a licenced commercial kitchen.  He is located 1.25 hours to downtown Ottawa.  1.5 hours to Kingston.

The Back Forty Cheese Company is being sold for $55,000 which includes all equipment, suppliers and customers, plus training to make the principal cheeses that he currently produces. His cheeses include:

Madawaska Cheese by Back Forty Cheese Company

Highland Blue by Back Forty Cheese Company

Flower Station Cheese by Back Forty Cheese Company

Bonnechere Cheese by Back Forty Cheese Company

Jim’s Bonnechere cheese received a favourable review by the Globe and Mail cheese expert Sue Riedl. His cheese has also made the cover of the 2008 LCBO Food and Drink Magazine.

If you ever thought about getting into the cheese business this sounds like a great opportunity. If you have any interest please contact Jim directly at backforty@artisancheese.ca or call him at 613 259-5734.

DISCLOSURE: I am not associated with Back Forty Cheese Company nor am I receiving compensation for this post. It’s a nice business, Jim’s a nice guy and I wish him the best in transitioning his business to new ownership.