By Surbhi Gogia,
At a time when Canadian businesses faced economic uncertainty, there has never been a stronger call to support homegrown enterprises. While recent trade tensions have fueled renewed interest in buying local, some businesses have long championed this philosophy. Ridgecrest Dairies Ltd., based in Mission, British Columbia, is a testament to Canadian craftsmanship, producing high-quality, all-natural dairy products from local farms.
Ridgecrest Dairy is synonymous with premium dairy production, specializing in artisan paneer, ghee, and yogurt. Staying true to its commitment to quality, the company takes pride in offering products free of artificial additives, allowing the natural flavors of milk to shine.
This dedication to purity is perhaps best exemplified in their paneer, a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. Suppose you’ve ever wondered why the paneer at your favorite restaurant tastes more affluent and authentic than what you make at home. In that case, there’s a good chance it’s Ridgecrest’s “white magic” that makes the difference. The paneer is directly supplied to restaurants from Mission to the Lower Mainland.
Ridgecrest refuses to cut corners by eschewing modified milk ingredients, gums, starches, and stabilizers to favor milk’s pure, unaltered flavor. “Our specialty is producing all-natural dairy products from non-homogenized whole milk,” explains Steve Saccomano, one of the company’s three owners.
Ridgecrest Dairy has been in operation for almost four decades. Saccomano’s journey with Ridgecrest began five years ago when he acquired the business from the Verdonk family. With a background deeply rooted in dairy farming, he recognized an opportunity to build upon the operation. “The company we purchased was already established, and we saw the potential to expand it. We sell directly to restaurants, and customers come to us. There’s always a market for high-quality, artisan-style products. We are not a large company with hundreds of employees. We are a relatively small operation with 15 employees, but we serve our niche market.”
Steve’s journey from dairy farmer to dairy plant operator resembles crafting artisan cheese, blending tradition, science, and patience to create a masterpiece. The tradition in Ridgecrest Dairy’s operations stems from the values of hard work he learned from his family, who owned a dairy farm in Ontario. The practice of creating artisan products is inherited from his Italian grandparents, who lived on the same farm as his family. Growing up on a farm in Ontario, Saccomano cultivated a strong work ethic, learning the importance of dedication and teamwork. “Back then, dairy farming was labor-intensive—everything was done by hand. Cleaning barns, feeding cows, carrying buckets—it instilled a deep passion for the industry,” he recalls.
Beyond tradition, Saccomano brings a scientific approach to dairy processing. With a background in business management, animal science, and agricultural finance, he has dedicated over three decades to helping farmers thrive. After relocating to British Columbia in 1989, he collaborated with BC’s Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He later engaged in agricultural finance, advocating for sustainable farming practices.
“Agriculture is vital to our economy and community,” he states. “Farming is essential to our identity, with more than 65% of Chilliwack’s land safeguarded in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). I have collaborated closely with the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) to enhance the economic benefits of agriculture in our region.”
As Canadian farmers face economic uncertainties, Ridgecrest Dairy stays resilient by prioritizing local sourcing and distribution. “We anticipate and hope for minimal impact from international tariffs, due to the fact that many of our suppliers are locally sourced,” Saccomano notes.
Ridgecrest has established a strong presence in the South Asian market. It ramps production ahead of Vaisakhi to satisfy the growing demand for paneer, yogurt, and ghee. The company also actively participates in community events, including sponsoring Vaisakhi luncheons.
Beyond business, Saccomano’s commitment to community extends to his work in autism advocacy. As the father of a son diagnosed with autism, he understands the challenges families face. This inspired him to found Agriculture for Autism. Over the past 16 years, this foundation has raised over $1 million to support families in the Fraser Valley.
“We offer essential services such as early childhood programs, young adult support, and parent groups right here in Chilliwack,” he explains. “What began as a simple walk for autism has evolved into a community-wide initiative, including a golf tournament, fishing derby, and more.”
With steadfast dedication to quality and community, Ridgecrest Dairy sets a standard for Canadian businesses. As economic landscapes shift, the company stays committed to sustainable practices, local partnerships, and artisanal excellence
