Dean Foods Acquires Juice Brand Uncle Matt’s Organic
26 Jun 2017 --- US food and beverage company Dean Foods, the largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fluid milk in America, has acquired orange juice company Uncle Matt’s Organic, in a deal which underscores its commitment to healthy foods.
Uncle Matt's Organic will continue operating the business out of its offices in Clermont, Florida, as a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company.
Uncle Matt's Organic is the nation's oldest organic juice company offering a wide range of organic juices, including probiotic-infused juices and fruit-infused waters.
Founded by Matt McLean, Uncle Matt's Organic is committed to producing the highest quality juices, using only premium 100% organically grown fruit that is free from GMOs, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In addition to the brand, Uncle Matt himself – Matt McLean – will be joining Dean Foods to continue his leadership of this brand into the future.
“Joining Dean Foods allows me to continue to nurture the brand I started nearly 20 years ago,” said McLean. “Our mission has always been to produce the highest quality organic juices. Becoming part of Dean Foods will allow us to bring organic to consumers at a scale that supports the organic farming community and increasing consumer interests at the same time.”
No financial details of the deal have been disclosed.
“I am pleased to welcome Uncle Matt's Organic into the Dean Foods family. As a strong brand in an adjacent category, Uncle Matt's will play an important role in our growing portfolio of healthy products,” said Ralph Scozzafava, Dean Foods CEO.
“Dean Foods is committed to supporting Uncle Matt's product innovation efforts and their ongoing development and growth in the natural channel. Moreover, our core strengths in selling and distribution will enable consumers unprecedented access to Uncle Matt's delicious, on-trend line of products.”
“Not only is the brand a great complement to our conventional portfolio, it further underscores our commitment to the organic space following our announcements of our partnership with Organic Valley and our recent investment in Good Karma's plant-based beverage portfolio.”
Dean Foods Company recently announced a minority investment and a distribution deal with Good Karma Foods, the leading producer of flaxseed-based milk and yogurt alternatives.
The partnership with Dean Foods allows Good Karma to expand distribution across the US, as well as increase investments in brand building and product innovation. Dean Foods will take a position in the brand and joins lead investor 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners in support of Good Karma.
And late last year Dean Foods struck a deal to bring the organic milk brand Organic Valley to retailers in the US.
Dean Foods has a 50/50 joint venture deal with Wisconsin-based Organic Valley, which is the largest organic farmer-owned cooperative in the world.
The venture supplies Organic Valley to retailers through Dean Foods' processing plants and its refrigerated direct store delivery (DSD) distribution systems.
