A Journey of Heritage and Dreams
The story of Volleman's Family Farm is one of determination, passion, and a touch of wanderlust. In 1993, Frank and Annette Volleman decided to take a leap of faith and moved their family from Europe to the vast and welcoming lands of Texas. Their dream was to start their own dairy farm, continuing a legacy that began generations ago. Today, their family-operated business thrives as a beacon of tradition and sustainability.
From Farm to Bottle: The Glass Bottle Milk Revival
In the summer of 2020, the Volleman family made a heartwarming decision – to embrace nostalgia by reintroducing glass bottle milk. These returnable and refundable glass bottles not only evoke fond memories of the milkman's visits but also serve as a testament to their dedication to quality and sustainability.
Shelby Volleman, the farm's marketing director and daughter-in-law, shares, "We started off in just a few mom and pop stores around our area and have since then quickly grown to many stores across Texas."
From their hometown in Gustine to the bustling cities of Tyler and Longview, Volleman's glass bottle milk has made its way into the hearts and homes of Texans. Their commitment to excellence has led them to select stores like Brookshire's, Super 1 Foods, and Fresh in Tyler, as well as the Super 1 Foods on Marshall Avenue in Longview.
Beyond Nostalgia: The Unique Qualities of Glass Bottle Milk
While glass bottle milk has an undeniably nostalgic appeal, it offers much more than a trip down memory lane. These iconic vessels play a vital role in preserving the milk's taste and freshness. The glass material keeps the milk colder, resulting in a creamier and richer texture that discerning taste buds are sure to appreciate.
Moreover, the non-porous nature of glass ensures that no foreign odors or tastes affect the milk inside. As Shelby Volleman puts it, "Our glass bottles make our product not only nostalgic, but they make a big difference in our product."
The Tale of Traceability: From Field to Creamery
Volleman's Family Farm takes pride in its fully traceable milk production process. Every step of the way, they know precisely where their milk comes from, ensuring the highest quality product for their customers.
Benjamin, the eldest son, oversees crop production, providing nutritious feed for the cows. David, the second oldest, manages the dairy and its contented bovine residents. From there, the milk travels just a few miles up the road to their creamery, under the watchful eye of Andrew, for distribution to local stores. The youngest son, Daniel, plays a vital role in looking after the youngest cows and assisting with milk sales.
Sustainability at Heart: A Circular Approach to Bottling
At Volleman's Family Farm, sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's a way of life. Their glass bottle milk aligns perfectly with their values, as they actively work to reduce waste in the environment.
The farm has implemented a bottle deposit process to encourage customers to return their empty glass bottles. With every purchase, customers pay a $2 deposit for each bottle, which they can reclaim upon returning the empty bottle to any store carrying their products. The family farm then collects the bottles, washes and sanitizes them, and reuses them for bottling future products.
Caring for Customers and Community
Volleman's Family Farm isn't just about milk; it's about building a strong connection with its customers and the community. As Shelby Volleman lovingly expresses, "We are a family that truly cares about our products and customers."
Their dedication to transparency and education is evident through their monthly tours, allowing visitors to experience the full milk production process firsthand. During these interactive tours at their farm in Gustine, visitors gain insight into the journey of their products from start to finish.
Spreading Joy: Expanding in East Texas
The heartwarming response from customers across Texas has encouraged Volleman's Family Farm to expand their distribution further. The East Texas market, in particular, has shown tremendous enthusiasm for their products, and they aim to continue growing their presence in the region.
Beyond their staple flavors of chocolate milk, strawberry milk, whole milk, and heavy cream, the farm offers limited-edition seasonal flavors throughout the year.
Savor the Taste of Texas Heritage
As you savor the creamy goodness of Volleman's glass bottle milk, remember that this isn't just milk – it's a sip of Texas heritage, a touch of nostalgia, and a commitment to sustainability. With each glass, you become a part of the Volleman family's legacy, embracing their love for the land and their dedication to providing the highest-quality milk to Texas families.
So, next time you're in the East Texas area, don't miss the chance to enjoy a taste of the past that has been lovingly revived by Volleman's Family Farm. Experience the timeless allure of glass bottle milk – a wholesome, sustainable, and delightful Texas tradition.