The USA’s largest independent co-operative of organic farmers, CROPP, is launching a 50/50 joint venture with Dean Foods, the country’s largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fluid milk and other dairy products.
The partnership will enable the co-op, which trades as Organic Valley, to extend the reach of its organic milk through Dean Foods’ refrigerated delivery distribution system.
CROPP, which is owned by 1,850 farmers in 36 USA states as well as Canada, Australia and the UK, registered sales of USD $1.04bn last year. It markets a range of organic dairy, soy, egg and other produce.
“Adding Organic Valley to the line-up of Dean Foods-branded dairy products enables us to offer customers the largest and most comprehensive dairy offering across multiple segments with national brands that consumers know and trust,”said Gregg Tanner, chief executive of Dean Foods. “It also allows us to further leverage our manufacturing and distribution network.”
Related: Organic Valley farmers’ co-op grows membership to 2,000 families
George Siemon, chief executive of Organic Valley, added: “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 milk will be on more grocery shelves across the country.”
