Our Story
Because The Right Cheese Matters®
It’s not just our daily motivation, it embodies our passion for quality cheese and a world-class expectation established by our founder, Leonard “Butch” Gentine, Jr.
Partnering with Masters Gallery Foods means you also get an efficient procurement team and superior customer service. Our successful foundation is having the very best people in the industry throughout our staff. So, you get the best cheese … and more.
A Culture All Our Own
MISSION
To be the customers’ choice for premier cheese products by providing innovative solutions
and exceptional customer service built on the highest standards of quality and integrity.
VISION
A family company dedicated to mastering the cheese business and
enhancing the lives of our employees, partners and communities.
A legacy of excellence driven
by our enthusiasm for cheese.
Lasting relationships built on
respect, honesty and trust.
Dedicated employees empowered to be the best version of themselves.
World-class products
customers rely on.
Customer confidence
earned every day.
An uncompromising commitment
to best practices.
A rich history
In 1974, our founder, Leonard “Butch” Gentine, Jr., started Masters Gallery Foods, a small brokerage firm in the business of purchasing, aging and distributing large blocks of bulk cheese to industrial customers. Butch’s strong relationships evolved into collaborative partnerships, and the business steadily grew.
A strong future
Today, Masters Gallery Foods is a leading national cheese supplier, maintaining one of the largest privately held cheese inventories in the country. Butch passed away in 1991, yet his legacy and mission continue, led by co-owner and Butch’s son, Jeff Gentine.
“You don’t get to 50 years by accident, and I’m extremely proud of the entire Masters family, past and present, who helped us reach this milestone.”—Jeff Gentine, President and CEO
A rich history of achievements
Leonard “Butch” Gentine, Jr., Executive Vice President of Sargento Foods, and his father Leonard, Sr., pioneer use of the first peg board system for shredded cheese in the dairy industry.
Butch leaves the Sargento family business to found Worldwide Sales, Inc., specializing in the purchasing, aging and distribution of bulk cheese to industrial customers.
World Wide Sales leverages its industrial cheese relationships and begins supplying private label shreds and chunks to the Retail market.
To better house a rapidly growing workforce, Butch builds a modern corporate office on an idyllic riverside setting. Today, this unique corporate campus continues as a testament to its founder.
The corporate name changes to Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. better reflecting the company’s diverse product portfolio and commitment to the highest quality cheeses.
A new 45,000 square-foot production/distribution facility is built in Plymouth, Wisconsin, manufacturing the first reclosable packaging for private label shredded cheese.
Butch passes away unexpectedly at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and innovation.
New large format shred equipment installed, allowing for foodservice sales to restaurants and distributors.
Plant size doubles to 90,000 square feet; new high-speed equipment installed. Total employee count reaches 200.
Jeff Giffin, 17-year executive at Masters Gallery Foods, is appointed President and CEO. Jeff Gentine (Butch’s son), with 10 years of diverse company experience, is appointed Executive Vice President.
Masters Gallery Foods doubles plant size again to 170,000 square feet, with four separate production rooms, expanded bulk and finished goods coolers, and a dedicated R&D center and test kitchen.
Adds snack cheese line and new shred equipment with gusset capabilities and acquires a stand alone warehousing facility outside of Plymouth.
With a third expansion, now over 300,000 square feet, Master Gallery Foods employs over 500. Natural slicing capabilities for retail and foodservice are added.
Masters Gallery Foods named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Announces executive leadership transition plans: President & CEO Jeff Giffin transitions to Executive Chairman; Butch’s son, Jeff Gentine, Executive Vice President, assumes President & CEO.
Grand opening of Masters Gallery Foods second production and distribution facility in Oostburg, Wisconsin. Phase 1 consists of 185,000 square feet with three production rooms and features the latest retail and foodservice shred equipment.
High-capacity slice lines are installed at the Oostburg facility and the employee count surpasses 1,000 across all facilities.
Masters Gallery Foods expands Oostburg facility. Phase 2 brings the total square footage to over 300,000 square feet with the installation of highly automated snack stick and chunk lines.
Masters Gallery Foods celebrates 50 years as a company!