TURLOCK, Calif. – For the Baghdassarian family, cheese is more than a business; it has been a journey across borders, a large part of their heritage and finally an example of the American dream fulfilled. Karoun Dairies, Inc. is a family owned business built on the art and science of authentic handmade cheeses and natural yogurts, using state-of-the-art technology, the finest California milk and traditional recipes. The Karoun story encompasses a dream, a passion and family, blended with traditional cheese making technology.
In 1990, with civil war raging in Lebanon Mr. Baghdassarian fled the country for America where his family would be safe and he could educate his children. He brought with him his love and passion for making handmade cheeses and natural yogurts that were so much a part of his life. In a small store-front in Hollywood California, Mr. Baghdassarian started making artisanal hand braided string cheese that he sold to a variety of ethnic groceries in Southern California.
Since the inception of Karoun Dairies in 1992, the business, and the number of products have grown. In 1999, Karoun Dairies moved their cheese making operation to an 80,000 square foot state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Turlock, Calif. to be near their milk source. Today more than 100 employees handmake approximately 65 different types of cheeses and natural yogurt products. Mr. Baghdassarian continues to guide Karoun Dairies with passion and vision, and along the way has been joined by his youngest son and his son-in-law.
"The key to our success lies in our employees, who we consider family," says Mr. Baghdassarian. "Without them or their passion and commitment there is no Karoun Dairies. The Karoun handmade cheeses and natural yogurts are a reflection of our ethnic past, our present employees and our shared vision for the future. To all that have been and are currently involved I am truly grateful."
Karoun Dairies is still proudly family-owned with two generations actively involved in the business and committed to making handmade cheese and natural yogurts that set the standard for taste, quality and patience. Mr. Baghdassarian believes that cheeses and yogurts cannot be rushed, and they certainly can't come from machines; they must be created and nurtured.
For product samples, or further information, contact Lori Tullberg at 805-969-3744, or ltullberg@christiecomm.com.
Source: Karoun Dairies, Inc.