Dean Foods Strikes Organic Valley Distribution Deal

16 Nov 2016 --- Dean Foods has struck a deal to bring the organic milk brand Organic Valley to retailers in the US.

Dean Foods has struck a 50/50 joint venture deal with Wisconsin-based Organic Valley, which is the largest organic farmer-owned cooperative in the world.

The venture will supply Organic Valley to retailers through Dean Foods' processing plants and its refrigerated direct store delivery (DSD) distribution systems.

Organic Valley will provide a select portfolio of recognized brands and products, marketing expertise, and access to its organic milk supply as part of the venture.

“Adding Organic Valley to the current line-up of Dean Foods 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. It also allows us to further leverage our manufacturing and distribution network,” said Gregg Tanner, CEO of Dean Foods.

“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.”

“This partnership reinforces Organic Valley's mission to support more organic farmers and grow our business,” said George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley. 

“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.”

The joint venture expects to begin processing and shipping Organic Valley products in mid-to-late 2017.

Dean Foods’ portfolio of milk products also includes regional brands like Alta Dena and Berkeley Farms.