OUR FOUNDERS STORY
Like so many others, Fred, John, and Richard Rumiano emigrated from Italy just after the turn of the last century. After jobs from gold mines, shipyards, and liquor, they settled near Willows in 1919 and began the dairy operation. When Italian Hard Cheese wasn’t unavailable after World War I, the creation of the Monterey Dry Jack cheese launched the company mostly serving the regional market and San Francisco.
INNOVATION & GROWTH IN WAR YEARS
Constant experimentation and investment in the hand-dug cellars, equipment, and transportation lead to growth into California’s largest cheese company. Supporting the war effort and local demand results in 8 cheese factories on the West Coast.
“The house of Rumiano, if the expression may be permitted, has tried to do its share to help the unfortunate to bring back prices and to give at all times full values to our patrons.” Fred Rumiano
RE-INVENTION & SECOND GENERATION
As the founders passed away or retired, second-generation manager Ray Rumiano focused on new markets such as Asia and outside of California. The company also invented new techniques for processed and plant-based cheese. Rumiano Cheese supports the Apollo crew in the first lunar landing.
“The best teacher to really learn the cheese business is hands-on experience at each step of the process. From collecting the milk to packaging to listening to a customer’s problems. No classroom can really teach you what it takes.” Raymond Rumiano
PASSING THE TORCH
After the untimely death of Ray Rumiano, his two sons Baird and John return to the company in their early 20’s to try to save the company. They open up new markets for both manufacturing and packaging. They become leaders in bringing cheese from across the U.S. and Europe to support the West Coast’s growing population.
“Knowing that there are future generations who are committed to our core values of community and caring for the animals and the land gives us comfort and hope.” Baird and John Rumiano
ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABILITY PIONEERS
With a deep commitment to healthy products, care for the land, and animal welfare, Rumiano becomes the first plant on the West Coast to produce Organic cheese at scale. Continued reinvestment in farming capacity and sustainability result in new organic lactose and whey protein products and zero waste. Today, our organic cheese is found in all 50 states and is a market leader.
THE NEXT 100 YEARS
After celebrating our 100th year in 1919, the Company’s management includes fourth-generation Joby, Tony, and Ray Rumiano. A second packaging and research site in Willows is set for Summer 2021, and expansion of both dairy and plant capacity is occurring in Humboldt County.
NEW WILLOWS PLANT
The completion and operation of our new plant in Willows, California, realize a 40 plus year dream for third-generation cheesemakers, Baird and John Rumiano. This will enable Rumiano to double its current packaging volume by the end of 2025.
And, first and foremost, it’s about Rumiano employees, who are the people who drive our success every day. This new facility has both career advancement opportunities and ergonomic innovations. People can stay here and grow here. Secondly, we have several new capabilities, such as a retail shredding operation and an R&D site to test innovations in the market.