Cheese Market News -GREEN BAY, WI -Winona Foods is introducing a new brand for its Hispanic cheese line — Bella Peonia — that honors the memory of co-founder Vicky Steinmann.

Bella Peonia will become the brand on all existing traditional and non-traditional Hispanic, natural pressed curd style and processed American EZ melt products by the end of the year and will be used on any future products introduced in this line.
Terry and Vicky Steinmann started Winona Foods 30 years ago, and Terry notes that Vicky was instrumental in the firm foundation and success of the company. Today, Winona Foods has more than 300 employees and offers cheese converting, specialized packaging and logistics for many of the country’s largest chain restaurants, distributors and retailers. Vicky Steinmann died Jan. 7 of this year after battling cancer.

“Bella Peonia,” which translates as “Beautiful Peony Flowers,” reflects Vicky’s passion for peonies as well as the elegance and resilience that defined Vicky’s spirit, Terry Steinmann explains. The idea was suggested to him by a teammate in the company as a way to recognize her accomplishments and allow her memory to continue through a company brand.

“The time was right, and for me it was very touching,” Steinmann says. “Peony flowers are grown in many beautiful colors, but it also is a very strong plant that can withstand several periods of weather and come out stronger, resilient and adaptable to its environment,” he adds. “Vicky was always an optimist in her approach to life, our customers and employees. She had a never-ending smile and personality that made anyone who approached her feel comfortable. That is the same strength reflected within our brand Bella Peonia that represents the standards of Winona
Foods’ products, team members and customers.”

Vicky played an instrumental role during Winona’s formative years, when the company’s growth was strongly rooted in serving the Hispanic and Mexican markets. Her dedication, compassion and belief in the company’s vision helped pave the way for growth and success.

The introduction of Bella Peonia follows the recent sale of Winona’s Alejandro brand and its associated processing plant. As Winona Foods continues to strengthen its core focus as a converter, manufacturer and solutions provider, Bella Peonia highlights the company’s ongoing investment in quality and cultural connection.

Bella Peonia also aligns with Winona Foods’ other category brands that are personalized to the company’s strengths. “Like all of our other items, our brands are aligned with a message of quality, stability and strength. Any brands we have, they have a message to them about what we’re sending to our customer,” Steinmann says.