Meister Cheese

The story of Meister Cheese begins in 1916, when founder Joseph Meister started making cheddar cheese in southwestern Wisconsin. For over a century, the business has remained a family affair, now in its fourth generation of ownership. Joseph’s son, Stanley, took over after serving in the navy, moving the operation to Muscoda, Wisconsin. A significant event in the company's history was a devastating fire in 1974 that destroyed the factory. With support from the local community, Stanley Meister rebuilt, expanding the facility several times since. This event highlighted the company's resilience. Another pivotal moment was the formation of its sister company, Muscoda Protein Products. This venture was created to process whey, a byproduct of cheesemaking, into valuable protein products now sold globally. This innovation showcased a commitment to sustainability by turning a former waste product into a revenue stream. Today, Meister Cheese is co-owned by third-generation siblings Scott Meister and Vicki Thingvold, with the fourth generation also involved in leadership. The company continues to produce award-winning cheeses for private labels found in grocery stores and restaurants across the U.S. They received a $12.5 million New Markets Tax Credit to upgrade equipment and increase production capacity, signaling a major investment in its future growth.