Clermont, FL—Uncle Matt’s Organic has been sold by Dean Foods to Matt McLean, Founder and CEO of Uncle Matt’s, according to a press release.

McLean sold the company to Dean Foods in 2017, where he and his wife Susan McLean continued to run the business. In November of 2019, Dean Foods filed for bankruptcy, presenting the opportunity for McLean to bid for the brand.

"If you told me three years ago after selling to a publicly-traded, multi-billion dollar CPG leader that I'd buy Uncle Matt's Organic back out of bankruptcy, I wouldn't have believed you," said Matt McLean, Uncle Matt's Organic Founder and CEO. "When Dean's financial distress took a saddening and unfortunate turn, it became a rare opportunity for us to purchase Uncle Matt's to expand distribution, innovate into new categories, and educate consumers on the intrinsic health benefits of buying organic.”

Along with Uncle Matt’s, the McLeans also have a new parent company named Harmoni Inc., and a team of investors including:
  • Gary Hirshberg, Co-Founder of Stonyfield Organic
  • John Foraker, Former CEO of Annie's and Co-Founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm
  • Andrew Abraham, MD, CEO and Founder at Orgain
  • Nicole & Peter Dawes, Founders of Late July Snacks & Nixie Sparkling Water
  • Matt Rogers, Founder of Nest and Incite.org
The board will consist of Matt McLean, Susan McLean, Gary Hirshberg, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Renewal Funds Paul Richardson, and the Principal of Natural Products Consulting LLC Bob Burke.
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"Uncle Matt's is one of America's truly legendary organic brands," said Hirshberg in the press release. "From their very start, the McLean family has been at the forefront of meshing the most advanced ecological sciences together with a maniacal dedication to extraordinary taste and nutrition. As a long-time fan and friend, I am thrilled to be their partner for the next leg of this exciting health and taste adventure.”

"I am humbled to partner with such a high-caliber and experienced team," added Matt McLean. "My wife and I are excited for the opportunities ahead. To be surrounded and supported by colleagues who have had enormous success in the organic industry is an honor and a journey we are looking forward to.”

The sale of Uncle Matt’s Organic to Harmoni, Inc., was finalized on April 30, 2020.