MILWAUKEE / CHICAGO (June 15, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”) today announced its acquisition of Cedar Crest Ice Cream (“Cedar Crest”), an iconic, multi-generational dairy business with deep roots across the Midwest. Headquartered in Winnetka, Illinois, HF Companies also owns Oberweis Dairy—another beloved regional brand known for its quality and heritage.
Led for more than 50 years by the Kohlwey brothers—Ken, Robert, Bill, and Tim—the business will remain in family stewardship through the Hoffmann family. As part of the transaction, Renato DePaolis, CEO of Oberweis Dairy, will assume leadership of Cedar Crest, bringing together two heritage brands with longstanding reputations for quality.
“It’s not lost on me that Cedar Crest is a 50-year-old brand and Oberweis is approaching its 100th anniversary serving Midwest communities and families,” said DePaolis. “Together, we represent more than 150 years of rich ice cream history, which is a legacy that is both meaningful and worth celebrating as we look to the future.”
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built,” said Ken Kohlwey. “My brothers and I wouldn’t hand over the reins to just anyone. When we saw what the Hoffmann family has accomplished with Oberweis in such a short time, we knew we could trust them to continue to grow our beloved business as we enter the sweetest chapter in our lives: Retirement.”
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Cedar Crest is deeply rooted in a generational dairy tradition that began with the Kohlwey family’s parents. Its manufacturing plant and the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor—both located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin—have become landmark destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Today, Cedar Crest offers a broad portfolio of frozen desserts, including more than 80 ice cream flavors, 10 custard varieties, six sherbets, and three dairy-free sorbets. Oberweis has experienced significant growth under Hoffmann ownership, and Cedar Crest represents another opportunity to continue expanding within the category.
HF Companies will continue to operate Cedar Crest and Oberweis as distinct brands under its broader portfolio. For more information, please visit their respective websites: cedarcresticecream.com and oberweis.com.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
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