Northwest Dairy Association Merges with Montana Dairy Cooperative Country Classic Dairies

Combining the two business operations, especially given the historical relationship between the two cooperatives, will benefit all parties involved.

Aug 3 2010 --- Northwest Dairy Association (NDA) and its marketing subsidiary, Darigold, Inc., announced that it will be combining its respective business operations with the Montana dairy cooperative Country Classic Dairies (CC). Under the agreement, current CC members will become part of the larger cooperative, NDA. Country Classic’s sales and marketing, along with its plant operation, will be incorporated into Darigold, Inc. Members of both cooperatives have approved the merger.

The two entities have a long cooperative working relationship as Country Classic at one time used the trademark name “Darigold” to market its products. Formed in 1932 under the name of “Gallatin Valley Creamery Cooperative,” Country Classic began by processing cream into butter in Bozeman, Montana. Today, the 33 members who make up Country Classic Dairies (CC) produce between 13 and 14 million pounds of milk per month, representing approximately 55% of Montana’s milk supply. CC currently processes milk at its facility in Bozeman, Montana, which will now become a Darigold processing plant producing the Darigold label.

“Combining the two business operations, especially given the historical relationship between the two cooperatives, will benefit all parties involved. We will be able to provide our new Montana member-owners with a secure market for their milk while maximizing its value.” says Northwest Dairy Association’s President & CEO John Underwood.