Kawartha Dairy Company
Kawartha Dairy Company is a Canadian family owned and operated dairy processor and retailer, founded in 1937 and headquartered in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. The company is known for its ice cream, milk, and cream products, which are sold through its own network of retail stores and wholesale distribution across Ontario and parts of British Columbia. It remains a prominent example of a multi-generational family business, maintaining its commitment to using fresh Ontario milk and cream while leveraging its strong association with Canadian cottage country. With over 85 years of operation, Kawartha Dairy has become a familiar brand in central Ontario and a staple of summer traditions for many Canadians.
Founding and Early Operations
The Kawartha Dairy Company was established in 1937 when Jack and Ila Crowe purchased a small dairy in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Jack Crowe had previously gained experience in the dairy trade while working for the now defunct Oshawa Dairy, which had been founded in 1908 as Hart Dairy and was later acquired by larger firms. The original operation was modest, consisting of a simple three room building where cold storage was maintained using ice harvested from the nearby Pigeon Lake. In these early years, the company stored its products in 80 pound steel containers and delivered them to the surrounding area by horse drawn wagon or boat in the summer and by sleigh during the winter months. The business expanded significantly in 1942 with the acquisition of other local dairies, including the Murphy Brothers Meadowbrook Dairy, which had begun under Gerald Murphy in 1900 and closed after a tuberculosis outbreak destroyed its herd. This acquisition helped to increase Kawartha Dairy's production capacity and solidify its local market presence in the Bobcaygeon area.
Expansion and Modernization
The company's product line was fundamentally transformed in the mid 1950s after Jack Crowe attended courses at the University of Guelph to learn ice cream production. This knowledge led to the introduction of ice cream, which would become Kawartha Dairy's signature product and a major driver of its retail success. The first retail store outside of Bobcaygeon opened in Minden in the early 1960s, marking the beginning of the company's deliberate expansion of its store network. Major investments in the production facility have been a consistent theme, with the company receiving a $620,000 grant from the Ontario Rural Economic Development Program in 2010 to update its Bobcaygeon plant and create ten new jobs. A further $311,200 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund in 2017 supported a $7.5 million expansion of refrigeration, storage, and production lines, described as the largest such project in the company's 70 year history at that time. The retail footprint grew steadily from five stores in 2008 to eight stores by 2012, with a ninth location opening in Orillia in 2016 and a tenth in Newmarket by May 2018.
According to recent corporate information, Kawartha Dairy now operates 16 retail stores across its markets. The company employs approximately 145 permanent staff, with an additional 100 seasonal employees hired to meet increased summer demand. Kawartha Dairy also maintains a significant wholesale business, supplying products to retail outlets and foodservice establishments across Ontario. In 2017, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary, coinciding with its major facility expansion and continued growth in both its retail and wholesale divisions.
Product Lines and Branding
Kawartha Dairy's core products include its widely recognized ice cream, chocolate milk, and seasonal eggnog. The company emphasizes the exclusive use of fresh Ontario milk and cream, sourcing the majority of its milk from farms in the Bobcaygeon area. A strategic expansion into urban grocery stores throughout Ontario began in 2013, with the company leveraging its cottage country heritage by featuring pastoral Ontario landscapes on its packaging. This packaging redesign was recognized in 2015, winning the Best in Show award at the PAC Global Leadership Awards. The company has also engaged in innovative product collaborations and sustainability initiatives to broaden its appeal and reduce environmental impact, such as the introduction of edible candy spoons in the summer of 2018 to cut down on waste from disposable utensils.
- In February 2018, Kawartha Dairy partnered with Muskoka Brewery of Bracebridge to create a limited edition bock style beer based on its Salty Caramel Truffle ice cream flavour, incorporating caramel and milk chocolate notes.
- In May 2026, Kawartha Dairy announced a major partnership with the Canadian band The Tragically Hip to launch a new premium ice cream flavour called The Tragically Chip™.
- The partnership includes a charitable component, with a portion of sales from The Tragically Chip™ donated to Breakfast Club of Canada® to support children's nutrition programs.
- The Tragically Chip™, available for a limited time starting June 22, 2026, features maple whisky flavoured ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and a rich black cherry ripple.
Kawartha Dairy and The Tragically Hip noted the connection between Bobcaygeon as the dairy's founding town and the inspiration for the band's song of the same name. The company continues to promote its products at industry events. It has plans to exhibit in Hall 5 at the Restaurants Canada Show in 2026. The company will invite attendees to try its premium dairy products made with fresh milk and fresh cream.
Retail Store Network and Operations
Kawartha Dairy operates a chain of company owned retail stores that serve as both points of sale and brand ambassadors. These stores are primarily concentrated in Ontario's cottage country and urban centres, with a small presence in British Columbia. The stores offer the full range of Kawartha Dairy products, with ice cream served by the scoop being a major draw for both locals and tourists. The original Bobcaygeon location remains a flagship and popular destination, consistently receiving high ratings on review platforms like Tripadvisor. The company's store network facilitates its direct to consumer sales and reinforces its identity as a destination for family treats and summer traditions across multiple provinces. The following is a list of communities with Kawartha Dairy retail stores as indicated across the source notes, reflecting the geographic spread of its operations from Ontario to the West Coast.
| Location | Province |
|---|---|
| Bancroft | Ontario |
| Barrie | Ontario |
| Bobcaygeon | Ontario |
| Britannia Beach | British Columbia |
| Burlington | Ontario |
| Cobourg | Ontario |
| Huntsville | Ontario |
| Kelowna | British Columbia |
| Lindsay | Ontario |
| Minden | Ontario |
| Newmarket | Ontario |
| Orillia | Ontario |
| Ottawa | Ontario |
| Orleans | Ontario |
| Peterborough | Ontario |
| Southampton | Ontario |
| Toronto | Ontario |
| Uxbridge | Ontario |
| Victoria | British Columbia |
The company's retail network supports its wholesale operations by strengthening brand recognition. The stores also provide direct consumer feedback on its product offerings. The company's product offerings include a complete online list of all currently available ice cream flavours. These flavours are categorized by the package sizes available.
Family Ownership and Corporate Philosophy
Kawartha Dairy has remained under the continuous ownership and operation of the Crowe family since its founding in 1937. This multi generational stewardship is a point of pride for the company, frequently highlighted in its marketing as a demonstration of its stability and commitment to quality. Mike Crowe, a third generation family member, currently serves as an owner and the Director of Product Development, playing a key role in initiatives like the 2026 partnership with The Tragically Hip. The corporate philosophy emphasizes its 100 percent Canadian ownership, the use of local dairy ingredients, and a deep connection to the communities it serves. The company's longevity and resistance to acquisition by larger conglomerates have reinforced its reputation as a familiar and authentic Canadian brand, with its story intrinsically linked to the pastoral imagery and leisurely pace of Ontario's Kawartha Lakes region.
The company's public communications often focus on family memories and Canadian pride. Its social media presence includes seasonal promotions like the return of the Reindeer Magic flavour for Christmas in July. The head office contact information is 89 Prince Street West, P.O. Box 904 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. General inquiry and sales email addresses are provided. The dairy maintains its commitment to its roots with an ongoing operational presence in Bobcaygeon.
Recent Initiatives and Future Directions
Kawartha Dairy continues to innovate and expand its market presence through strategic partnerships and product launches. The 2026 collaboration with The Tragically Hip represents a significant marketing initiative, connecting two well known Canadian entities with shared small town origins. The limited edition The Tragically Chip™ flavour is designed to tap into national nostalgia and summer traditions, with its launch strategically set for the start of the summer season. The associated charity component with Breakfast Club of Canada® aligns the partnership with community support, enhancing its public reception. The company also plans to maintain a visible presence at trade shows like the 2026 Restaurants Canada Show to engage with industry partners and present its products to a professional audience.
Product development remains a focus, as evidenced by the company's detailed online listing of all currently available ice cream flavours categorized by package size. Seasonal offerings, such as the return of flavours like Reindeer Magic for Christmas in July promotions, are used to drive customer engagement and repeat visits. The company's approach combines the preservation of its core identity as a family run dairy from Bobcaygeon with active efforts to reach new consumers in urban grocery stores and through novel collaborations. These directions suggest a business model that respects its heritage while actively pursuing growth in a competitive dairy market, supported by provincial funding for expansion and a dedicated workforce that scales with seasonal demand.
Questions about Kawartha Dairy Company
Where is Kawartha Dairy headquartered?
Kawartha Dairy is headquartered in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, within the City of Kawartha Lakes. The company was founded there in 1937 when Jack and Ila Crowe purchased a small dairy. Its main office and production plant are located at 89 Prince Street West. Despite significant expansion, including retail stores in multiple provinces and a major plant upgrade in 2010, the company remains rooted in its original Bobcaygeon location.
What is The Tragically Chip ice cream?
The Tragically Chip is a limited edition premium ice cream flavour created through a partnership with the Canadian band The Tragically Hip, announced in May 2026. It is a maple whisky flavoured ice cream containing dark chocolatey chunks and a rich black cherry ripple. A portion of sales from this flavour is donated to Breakfast Club of Canada. It was scheduled for release at Kawartha Dairy stores and select grocery shelves starting June 22, 2026.
When was Kawartha Dairy founded and who started it?
Kawartha Dairy was founded in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe. The couple bought a small dairy in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, after Jack gained experience working at Oshawa Dairy. They began producing and selling milk products, initially using ice from nearby Pigeon Lake for cold storage. The company remains family owned and operated to this day, now into its third generation. It has grown from its simple three room beginnings into a significant dairy operation while staying true to its roots.
How did Kawartha Dairy first learn to make ice cream?
Kawartha Dairy learned to make ice cream in the mid 1950s when founder Jack Crowe attended courses at the University of Guelph. There, he learned the techniques for ice cream production. This knowledge was soon applied, and ice cream was added to the company's product line. It quickly became one of their signature items. This expansion into ice cream marked a significant evolution for the dairy from its initial focus on milk and cream products.
How many retail stores does Kawartha Dairy operate?
Kawartha Dairy operates multiple retail stores, with the number evolving over time. The notes indicate the company had ten stores by May 2018 and was operating 16 retail stores according to a more recent source. These stores are located across Ontario and in British Columbia, offering ice cream and other dairy products. The company also services a wide range of wholesale customers. Store openings have occurred in places like Minden in the early 1960s, Orillia in 2016, and Newmarket in 2018.
What are some of Kawartha Dairy's most popular products?
Some of Kawartha Dairy's most popular products include its ice cream, chocolate milk, and eggnog. The company makes a point of using fresh Ontario milk and cream exclusively in its ice cream, sourcing much of it from the Bobcaygeon area. These products are sold in the company's own retail stores and distributed through third party retailers across Ontario. The company has also created limited edition items, like a beer collaboration in 2018 and special ice cream flavours such as The Tragically Chip.
Sources and further reading
- Kawartha Dairy Company (Wikipedia)
- Kawartha Dairy | Ice Cream | Milk | Dairy Products (kawarthadairy.com)
- Two Canadian icons, Kawartha Dairy and The Tragically ... (ca.finance.yahoo.com)
Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-25.
