Oakland-based Cream Co. Meats, a pioneer in strengthening regional meat supply chains, announced the close of its $8 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Soilworks Natural Capital, with additional investors including Builders Vision, Desert Bloom and the Schmidt Family Foundation, among others. The funding will fuel Cream Co.’s next phase of growth by expanding processing capacity, enhancing its regenerative sourcing network and increasing access to responsibly raised beef, lamb and pork for institutional and commercial buyers. The expansion will also strengthen West Coast regional supply chains and local economies through ongoing partnerships with ranchers and farmers committed to caring for the land and animals responsibly.
“Our mission is to revolutionize a highly commoditized industry by proving that animal protein can be produced responsibly, transparently and profitably,” said Cliff Pollard, Founder and CEO of Cream Co. “These investments allow us to scale the infrastructure and partnerships needed to make regional, regenerative meat, not the exception, but the rule. We’re proud to be creating new economic opportunities for ranchers while giving consumers and buyers better access to sustainable, high-quality meat.”
Cream Co. sources exclusively from ranchers that meet its “never ever” standard—animals never treated with hormones or antibiotics, raised on vegetarian feed, and, increasingly, on regenerative pastures that enhance soil health and biodiversity. Today, more than half of Cream Co.’s beef supply is certified regenerative, representing one of the largest regenerative meat programs in the country. Cream Co. sources from hundreds of sustainable and regenerative family farms and artisan producers and serves over 300 customers throughout California and beyond.
“Every day more and more ranchers are moving to regenerative practices. But, most cattle still end up going through large scale feedlots. The result is a massive loss in nutrition and increase in chemicals in our meat. Cream Co. is leading the way to get high quality, naturally raised and 700 Julie Ann Way, Oakland, CA 94621 creamcomeats.com fully grass fed beef to market. We are excited to continue to invest in this journey,” said Lew Moorman, General Partner at Soilworks Natural Capital.
America’s meat industry is among the most consolidated in the world, with just four companies controlling over 80% of beef processing and distribution. Cream Co. is actively building more sustainable supply chains by connecting small and mid-scale ranchers to large-scale markets. The company invests directly in community-based processing and distribution systems that create value and stability for producers.
“Cream Co. is redefining and reminding us of what’s possible in American agriculture and our food supply chain,” said Sara Balawajder, Director, Investments at Builders Vision, a team of investors and philanthropists accelerating tomorrow’s most promising solutions across food and agriculture, energy and oceans. “By pairing regenerative practices with scalable, modern infrastructure, sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand all while producing proteins that are some of the most nutritious out there. We’re proud to support their vision to strengthen local economies, empower producers and build a more resilient food system.”
The company is the only California meat processor to receive a $1.5 million-plus USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion grant, showcasing its strategic agility and national relevance in sustainable food infrastructure. Cream Co. has successfully partnered with large institutional buyers like the University of California system, Google and Shake Shack, validating its ability to grow while upholding core values.
Through partnerships with EatReal and CDFA grant initiatives, Cream Co. has operationalized sustainable sourcing for public school foodservice—a high-impact segment with ecological and generational significance.
You can learn more about Cream Co. at www.creamcomeats.com.