MARQUETTE, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Department Director Gary McDowell and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. recently toured Jilbert’s Dairy, a dairy product company operating in Michigan since 1937. They also visited three local establishments, Trenary Toast, Delft Bistro and The Honorable Distillery. McDowell continued to travel across the state of Michigan to meet with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan’s economic recovery.

“I’m proud that northern and rural Michigan has so many things to offer, from increasing economic development for our food and ag businesses to increasing broadband access to hosting an Iditarod qualifying race,” McDowell said. “Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer’s proposed budget priorities to invest in economic development and address supply chain issues as well as the creation of the Office of Rural Development demonstrate we recognize the full potential of our rural areas, especially in my hometown of the Upper Peninsula. We are truly putting all Michiganders first.”

Since 1937, Jilbert Dairy has brought the finest quality dairy products to families throughout the Upper Peninsula. Jilbert’s products include milk, flavored milk, cream, teas and juice. From the original Jilbert farm in Lake Linden to their current location in Marquette, Jilbert Dairy has been the UP’s dairy for decades. When Jilbert’s opened back in 1937, they were processing 10,000 pounds of milk per month. Today, they currently process more than 4 million pounds monthly.

In the heart of downtown Marquette is Trenary Toast. a bakery that has been operating for more 90 years. It focuses on making the best, authentic Finnish Dunking Toast and Rye Breads. The Trenary Bakery has become a Midwest staple.

The Delft Bistro is a new restaurant in downtown Marquette. The Bistro is committed to curating a unique dining experience using quality seasonal ingredients with a twist of entertainment.

The tour concluded by visiting the Honorable Distillery, set to open sometime in 2022 in downtown Marquette in the restored Nordic Theater. The Honorable Distillery Founder, Anne White, wanted to create a space where locals, along with those visiting Marquette, can come and hang out, while creating top-of-the-line craft cocktails. Customers will enjoy vodka, gin, bourbon, rye and eventually whiskey upon opening.