Dean Foods Company is forming ajoint venturewith CROPP, an independent farmer cooperative and owner of the Organic Valley brand. The partnership, which will begin processing and shipping in mid-to-late 2017, will bring Organic Valley milk to retailers through Dean Foods’ processing plants and refrigerated direct store delivery system.
"This partnership reinforces Organic Valley's mission to support more organic farmers and grow our business," said George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley, in a press release. "Consumers will enjoy the same Organic Valley quality they've come to know and trust: the same farmers will supply the same organic milk. But now more Organic Valley organic milk will be on more grocery shelves across the country."
Under the 50/50 joint venture, Dean Foods will begin to provide Organic Valley with processing services and distribution through its extensive refrigerated distribution network, while Organic Valley provides Dean Foods with a select portfolio of brands and products, the companies marketing expertise and access to an organic milk supply.
Both companies will also “leverage their sales expertise to drive distribution.”
"Adding Organic Valley to the current lineup of Dean Food’s branded dairy products enables Dean Foods to offer retail customers the largest and most comprehensive dairy offering across multiple segments with national brands that consumers know and trust,” said Gregg Tanner, CEO of Dean Foods, in a press release. “It also allows us to further leverage our manufacturing and distribution network. We believe the dynamic and growing Organic Valley brand of organic milk is the perfect complement to our own category-leading DairyPure and TruMoo brands and gives Dean Foods a strong position in the organic dairy segment."
Posted on WholeFoods Magazine Online, 11/23/2016
