Dairy Products Manufacturing

Sell Your Dairy Products Business for the Highest Market Price

At Morgan & Westfield, we focus on the food and beverage industry, specifically privately owned dairy products manufacturers in the lower middle market. We specialize in working with companies that produce between $1 million and $10 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization – or EBITDA, and those with annual revenues between $5 million and $100 million. We act for business owners across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia, helping these owners get the highest price when they sell.

Merger and Acquisition Services for Dairy Products Companies

We advise dairy products business owners on the sale, or merger and acquisition, of their companies. As business brokers, we’ve supported hundreds of companies in the food and beverage industry through the sale of their businesses. And we offer a range of services at each stage. These include a valuation report, offering document, confidential marketing, buyer screening, negotiation, and so on. We take responsibility for tasks like these, keep you up to date on progress, and walk you through the big decision points. So, you can spend your time running your business until the sale. 

Appraisals, Valuations, Multiples … Your Questions Answered

What’s involved in an appraisal? What’s the value of my business? And what are the “multiples” I’ve heard about? We know from experience the questions that come to mind when owners think of selling. We can answer these and more. Our process starts with a consultation – it’s free of charge, and there’s no obligation on your part to take it further. If you decide you want us on your side when putting your business on the market, we’ll be with you all the way, from the planning right through to the sale.

Types of Businesses We Sell and Value 

• Cultured Enzymes Manufacturers
• Dairy-Based Food Manufacturers
• Dairy-Based Beverage Manufacturers
• Dairy-Based Spread Manufacturers
• Dairy Ingredient Suppliers
• Dairy Varying Manufacturers
• Dairy Product Manufacturers
• Fermented Dairy Manufacturers
• Flavoring and Additive Manufacturers
• Functional and Fortification Ingredient Manufacturers
• Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturers
• Margarine Manufacturers
• Milk and Cream Manufacturers
• Milk Manufacturers
• Mozzarella Cheese Manufacturers
• Plant-Based Milk Manufacturers
• Plant-Based Cheese Manufacturers
• Powdered Milk Manufacturers
• Private-Label Dairy Manufacturers
• Raw Milk Suppliers
• Specialty and Artisan Dairy Manufacturers
• Swiss Cheese Manufacturers
• Yogurt Manufacturers

Overview of the Dairy Product Industry

The dairy product industry involves producing, processing, and distributing dairy-based products. Activities include farming dairy animals, collecting and processing milk, and manufacturing products such as milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and more. It involves a diverse range of players, from dairy farmers and processors to manufacturers and distributors, and it is subject to regulatory standards to ensure food safety and quality control.

Dairy products are consumed widely and valued for their nutritional content. The industry includes multinationals, regional processors, and small-scale producers. Market trends include the rise of plant-based alternatives and organic products. International trade plays a significant role in the global dairy market.

How We Got Here – A Brief History

• 1864 – Pasteurization Invented: French scientist Louis Pasteur invented the pasteurization process after experimenting with heated wine. Pasteur realized that wine treated with heat killed off many of the dangerous bacteria present in unheated wine.
• 1883 – The New York Milk War Broke Out: A struggle known as the “milk war” broke out between milk farmers/producers and milk distribution companies in New York. Milk farmers demanded a higher price for their milk. When the distributors refused to pay more, the farmers organized “spilling committees” that blocked roads, seized shipments, and dumped their own milk instead of selling it to the distributors.
• 1884 – First Glass Milk Bottles Patented: One of the first glass milk bottles was patented in 1884 by Dr. Henry Thatcher. Called Thatcher’s Common Sense Milk Jar, it became an industry standard by 1889.
• 1895 – Dairy Division Established: In 1895, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established the Division of Agrostology and the Dairy Division to improve the quality of dairy products in the United States and to make the products more acceptable abroad. Agrostology is the branch of botany concerned with grasses.
• 1899 – Milk Homogenizer Patented: Auguste Gaulin obtained a patent for his homogenizer, which broke down large fat globules in milk into tiny ones.
• 1900s – Modern Dairy Farming Began: Modern dairy farming began in the early 1900s after pasteurization was developed and became widely used. 
• 1914 – First Milk Tanker Trucks Introduced: The first tank trucks for transporting milk were put into service.
• 1917 – Mandatory Pasteurization of Milk Began: By 1917, pasteurization of all milk except milk from cows proven to be free of tuberculosis was either required or officially encouraged in 46 of the country’s 52 largest cities. The proportion of milk pasteurized in these cities ranged from 10% to 97%; in most it was well over 50%.
• 1922 – Capper-Volstead Act Passed: U.S. Congress passed the Capper-Volstead Act. It allowed producers of agricultural products to “act together in associations” to organize collective processing, preparation for market, handling, and marketing of milk and other agricultural goods. The act was significant because it exempted farmers from monopoly laws, helping them raise their prices.
• 1950s-1960s – Square Milk Carton Introduced: In the 1950s and 1960s, many dairies introduced the square paper carton to replace bottles. The square shape allowed more milk to be carried and displayed in a given space than glass bottles did. The new cartons also reduced the cost of milk for consumers since disposable paper cartons were cheaper than glass bottles. 
• 1974 – Nutrition Labeling of Fluid Milk Began: Voluntary nutrition labeling on fluid milk products began after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised that all foods should have nutrition labels.
• 1990 – Fluid Milk Promotion Act: In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Fluid Milk Promotion Act to promote the sale of milk and to allow collective, producer-financed, generic milk advertising.
• 2001 – Largest Dairy Processor Formed: Dean Foods acquired National Dairy Holdings and became the largest dairy processor in the United States.
• 2006 – Greek Yogurt Popularity Surged: The popularity of Greek yogurt surged in the United States, leading to increased sales and market expansion for Greek yogurt brands.
• 2010: Plant-Based Milk Surged: The plant-based milk market gained momentum, with almond milk emerging as a popular alternative to dairy milk.
• 2011 – The Food Safety Modernization Act Implemented: The Food Safety Modernization Act was enacted in the United States, changing food safety regulations, including those related to dairy products. 
• 2015 – Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk Launched: Coca-Cola and Select Milk Producers launched Fairlife, a high-protein, low-lactose, ultra-filtered milk brand. 
• 2017 – Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Rose: The popularity of plant-based dairy alternatives rose, with major dairy companies, such as Danone and Nestlé, acquiring plant-based dairy brands to expand their portfolios.
• 2022 – Farm to Fork Strategy Introduced: The European Union introduced the Farm to Fork Strategy, which aimed to make the food system more sustainable. It included measures to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming.

Trends That May Affect M&A Activity

The following is a list of trends that may affect M&A activity in the dairy products industry:

• Natural Products and Clean Labels: Consumers are looking for dairy products free from artificial additives and preservatives, and preference is growing for natural ingredients and minimal processing. Consumers also want clean, transparent labels. 
• Digital Transformation: The dairy industry is embracing digital technologies to streamline operations, enhance supply chain efficiency, and improve communication with consumers. Examples include automation, data analytics, e-commerce platforms, and personalized marketing strategies. 
• Functional and Fortified Dairy Products: There is a growing demand for products with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, which offer functional benefits. These products cater to consumers seeking enhanced health and wellness benefits from their dairy consumption.
• Innovative Packaging: Dairy companies are focusing on innovative and eco-friendly packaging to cut waste and improve sustainability. Using recyclable materials, reducing plastic usage, and introducing more convenient packaging are examples. 
• Personalization and Customization: Consumers are often seeking personalized and customized dairy products to suit their dietary preferences. This includes options like lactose-free, gluten-free, and low-fat dairy products. 
• Plant-Based Alternatives: Demand for plant-based dairy drinks, such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk continues to rise as consumers seek alternatives to traditional dairy products. Factors like health consciousness, dietary restrictions, and environmental concerns drive this trend. 
• Robotic Milking: Robotic milking systems were developed in the late 20th century. They have been commercially available since the early 1990s and have soared in popularity. 
• Sustainable and Ethical Practices: Consumers are looking for dairy companies that prioritize sustainable farming practices, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the well-being of dairy animals. These are becoming crucial considerations for consumers. 

Summary of Dairy Product Mergers and Acquisitions

Summary of Acquisitions
Target			Buyer			Transaction
Target Industry (Industry > Niche)	Target	Target Location	Buyer Industry	Buyer	Buyer Location	Date	Purchase Price
Cheese Maker > String Cheese	Traditional Food > Feta Cheese, Hummus, Pita Chips	USA	Cheese Producer	Sargento Foods	USA	May 2022	Undisclosed
Cream Cheese > Greek Cream Cheese, Private Label Brands	Franklin Foods	USA	Dairy Products	Hochland	Germany	Jan 2017	Undisclosed
Dairy Manufacturer > Drinkable Yogurt, Skim, Specialty Milk	Laguna Dairy	Mexico	Dairy Products	Grupo LALA	Mexico	May 2016	$246 Million
Healthy Snacks > Snacks, Fruits, Dairy Desserts	MOM Group	France	Cheese Marketer	Bel Group	France	May 2022	€850 Million
High-Quality Dairy > Milk, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, Ice Cream, Dip	Superior Dairy	USA	Dairy Cooperative	Michigan Milk Producers Association	USA	Dec 2021	Undisclosed
Organic Dairy Products > Organic Yoghurt	Stonyfield	USA	Dairy Products	Lactalis	France	Jul 2017	$875 Million
Plant-Based > Butter, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Cream	ForA: Butter	USA	Condiments, Oils, Ingredients	AAK Foodservice	Sweden	July 2022	Undisclosed
Plant-Based > Milks, Yogurts, Creamers	WhiteWave	USA	Food, Beverage, Dairy Products	Danone	France	Apr 2017	$12.5 Billion
Private Label > Cheese and Dairy Ingredients	Dairyfood USA	USA	Private Equity	Borgman Capital	USA	May 2022	Undisclosed
Specialty Food > Blue Cheese, Artisanals	Maytag Family Farms	USA	Bio-Based Products	AgCertain Industries	USA	Jun 2022	Undisclosed
Traditional Food > Feta Cheese, Hummus, Pita Chips	Athenos	USA	Specialty Cheese	Emmi Roth	USA	Dec 2021	$12.5 Billion

Sargento Foods Acquired Baker Cheese (String Cheese)

• Date: May 2022
• Price: Undisclosed 
• Target: Baker Cheese Factory, Inc. – A string cheese manufacturer with sales throughout the United States.
• Location: Wisconsin, USA 
• Buyer: Sargento Foods – A leader in cheese production for over 65 years.
• Purpose: The acquisition adds more cheese snack options to Sargento Foods’ large portfolio of sliced, shredded, and natural cheese products. 

Details: Faegre Drinker represented SFI in its acquisition of Baker Cheese Factory Inc., a string cheese manufacturer with sales throughout the United States.

Hochland Acquired Franklin Foods (Cream Cheese)

• Date: January 2017
• Price: Undisclosed 
• Target: Franklin Foods Holdings – A cream cheese manufacturer and distributor with its own brands, such as Greek Cream Cheese, Green Mountain Farms, and Hahn’s, as well as private label products. 
• Location: Florida, USA
• Buyer: Hochland SE – Manufactures cheese and cream products, natural and processed spreads, and analog cheese, a cheese alternative made from vegetable proteins, fats, and oils.
• Purpose: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition,” said Jon Gutknecht, CEO of Franklin Foods. “Hochland and Franklin share a common vision around providing superior customer service, creating best-in-class products, and ensuring a company culture that strives to make a difference for our customers and brands. As a company with a successful 100-year heritage, we are especially proud to join Hochland in 2017 as they celebrate their 90th Anniversary, and we look forward to many great years ahead.”
• Details: Hochland SE, a privately held cheese company based in Bavaria, Germany, acquired Franklin Foods and its sister companies. Jon Gutknecht, partner, president, and CEO of Franklin Foods, continued to lead Franklin and maintain an interest in the new venture. Franklin Foods operates independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hochland SE. Franklin’s manufacturing and sales platform in the U.S. cream cheese market complements Hochland’s international growth strategy.

Grupo Lala Acquired Laguna Dairy (Dairy Manufacturer)

• Date: May 2016
• Price: $246 Million
• Target: Laguna Dairy – Manufacturer of milk and dairy products, including drinkable yogurt and specialty milk, under Promised Land and Skim Plus brands.
• Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
• Buyer: Grupo Lala – A Mexican company focused on healthy and nutritious food, it has over 65 years of experience in producing, revitalizing, and marketing milk, dairy products and drinks with the highest quality standards.
• Purpose: The acquisition gives Grupo Lala a local platform for production and sales to serve the Hispanic market in the United States. Grupo Lala said among the reasons it bought Laguna Dairy is that drinkable yogurts have been successful with major U.S. retailers and there are “firm commitments” to buy the products.
• Details: Grupo LALA, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: LALA B), a Mexican dairy company focused on healthy and nutritious foods, entered into an agreement to acquire from Laguna Dairy, S. de R.L. de C.V. certain assets related to Laguna’s branded business in the United States for $246 million in an all-cash transaction. 

Bel Group Acquired MOM Group (Healthy Snacks)

• Date: May 2022
• Price: €850 million
• Target: The MOM Group – The MOM group offers an entire range of snack foods and fruit and dairy desserts that follow today’s market trends.
• Location: Paris, France
• Buyer: The Bel Group – A multinational cheese marketer based in France. 
• Purpose: The acquisition of MOM offers Bel a complementary sectoral and geographic coverage, with the aim of strengthening its position in France and the United States.
• Details: The Bel Group, which holds 82.5% of the capital of MOM, or Mont Blanc-Materne, announced the purchase of the balance of the capital from Michel Larroche and the management of MOM. Following the transaction, Bel holds the entire capital and voting rights of the MOM Group.

Michigan Milk Producers Association Acquired Superior Dairy (High-Quality Dairy)

• Date: December 2021
• Price: Undisclosed 
• Target: Superior Dairy – Best known for providing high-quality fluid milk products, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and chip dip.
• Location: Ohio, USA
• Buyer: Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) – Established in 1916, MMPA is a member-owned and -operated dairy cooperative. It serves approximately 1,600 dairy farmer members in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The dairy cooperative, the 10th largest in the United States, employs approximately 320 people in four states.
• Purpose: Building on the partnership developed between the two organizations over the years, the acquisition will bring greater innovation, product diversity, and efficiencies to the marketplace.
• Details: Michigan Milk Producers Association acquired Ohio-based Superior Dairy. President and CEO of MMPA Joe Diglio said the two companies have been working in partnership for the past six years, and this announcement will expand innovation and value for dairy farmer members. 

Danone Acquired WhiteWave (Plant-Based Dairy)

• Date: April 2017
• Price: $12.5 billion
• Target: WhiteWave Foods – A leading food and beverage company focused on health and wellness products. Before the acquisition, WhiteWave Foods was known for its expertise in plant-based foods and beverages, including plant-based milks, yogurts, creamers, and dairy alternatives. Its product lineup included popular brands such as Silk, So Delicious, Alpro, Horizon Organic, and Earthbound Farm.
• Location: Colorado, USA
• Buyer: Danone S.A. – Danone is a multinational food and beverage company based in Paris, France. Founded in 1919, it has grown to become one of the world’s leading dairy companies. It operates in four main business segments: fresh dairy products, waters, early life nutrition, and medical nutrition.
• Purpose: “Danone and WhiteWave are a perfect match to build a global leader leveraging consumer trends and expectations for healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking choices,” said Emmanuel Faber, CEO of Danone. “With leading positions in some of the fastest growing, health-focused categories, this combination will drive our Alimentation Revolution, our business performance, and will accelerate our 2020 growth journey.”
• Details: Under terms of the agreement, WhiteWave shareholders received $56.25 per share in cash. WhiteWave common stock ceased trading and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The combination of Danone and WhiteWave in North America operates as a strategic business unit named DanoneWave and includes the current North American businesses of Danone Dairy and WhiteWave.

AAK Foodservice Acquired Fora Foods’ ForA: Butter (Plant-Based Butter)

• Date: June 2022
• Price: Undisclosed
• Target: ForA: Butter – A plant-based product consisting of coconut oil, cocoa butter, and coconut cream.
• Location: New York, USA
• Buyer: AAK FoodService – A leading vegetable oil and fats producer.
• Seller: Fora Foods – The company behind ForA: Butter.
• Purpose: AAK, which has been manufacturing the product for Fora Foods, reported ForA: Butter is a great fit for its plant-based expansion to premium plant butter products. It will complement AAK’s Green Oasis plant-based product line.

Lactalis Acquired Stonyfield (Organic Dairy Products)

• Date: July 2017
• Price: $875 million
• Target: Stonyfield – An organic yogurt maker and dairy company in Londonderry, New Hampshire, United States. 
• Location: New Hampshire, USA
• Buyer: Lactalis Dairy Company – A French multinational dairy products company owned by the Besnier family and based in Laval, Mayenne, France. Formerly called Besnier SA. Lactalis, it is the world’s largest dairy product group and the second largest food product group in France, behind Danone.
• Purpose: Danone, the French dairy company, was required to sell Stonyfield as part of a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice after getting approval to buy plant-based foods giant WhiteWave for $10 billion.
• Details: The Lactalis Group entered into an agreement to acquire Stonyfield from Danone for $875 million. 

Borgman Capital Acquired Dairyfood USA (Cheese Maker)

• Date: May 2022
• Price: Undisclosed 
• Target: Dairyfood USA – One of the biggest specialty cheesemakers in North America.
• Location: Wisconsin, USA
• Buyer: Borgman Capital – A private equity firm that invests in stable and profitable lower middle-market businesses.
• Purpose: The acquisition enabled Borgman Capital and its portfolio company, Gilman Cheese Corporation, to expand production capacity and product mix for its customers worldwide.
• Details: Borgman Capital acquired Dairyfood USA as an add-on to the Gilman Cheese Corporation, its platform portfolio company.

AgCertain Industries Acquired Maytag Family Farms (Blue Cheese, Beverages, and Foods) 

• Date: June 2022
• Price: Undisclosed
• Target: Maytag Family Farms Inc. – Manufacturer and marketer of specialty artisanal food and beverage products, as well as the world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese.
• Location: Iowa, USA
• Buyer: AgCertain Industries, Inc. – An agricultural, food, and bio-based product development, manufacturing, and marketing company.
• Purpose: “The combination of these two companies supports continuing success and spurs greater potential for growth across AgCertain’s growing set of brands, products and services,” said John Mickelson, managing partner of Midwest Growth Partners, a private equity firm.
• Details: Private equity firm Midwest Growth Partners, the previous owner of Maytag Dairy Farms and a shareholder of AgCertain Industries, expanded its investment in AgCertain Industries with this acquisition.

Emmi Roth Acquired Athenos (Traditional Food)

• Date: December 2021Price: UndisclosedTarget: Athenos – Producer of feta cheese and related products based in Glenview, Illinois. The company offers traditional, garlic and herb, tomato and basil, and reduced-fat feta along with original, Greek-style, black olive, and roasted garlic hummus and pita chips, among others, providing a variety of snacks.Location: Illinois, USABuyer: Emmi Roth: Specialty Cheese – An industry leader in specialty cheeses.Purpose: The Athenos brand complements Emmi Roth’s extensive range of locally produced and imported specialty cheeses in the United States. Athenos will benefit from Emmi Roth’s strong retail and foodservice connections as well as its marketing expertise to reach new consumers through digital marketing and social media, an area that gives Athenos more opportunity for growth.Details: Emmi Roth, in partnership with Emmi Group, acquired Athenos. The acquisition from the Lactalis Group expands Emmi Roth’s business and product offerings, strengthening its long-standing dedication to the specialty cheese industry.

Public Companies 

The following is a list of public companies that operate in the dairy product manufacturing industry:

Private Equity Firms

The following is a list of private equity firms investing in the specialty food industry:

• Advent International: Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. It has made over 405 private equity investments across 42 countries, and as of September 30, 2022, it had $89 billion in assets under management. Its investments include:

• KKR & Co. Inc.: KKR is a global investment firm with investments in various sectors, including the food and beverage industry. Its investments include:

• Paine Schwartz Partners: Paine Schwartz Partners is a private equity firm focused on sustainable food chain investing. It invests in companies in dairy production, processing, and value-added dairy products. Its investments include:

Venture Capital Firms

The following is a list of venture capital firms investing in the specialty food industry:

• Blue Horizon Corporation: Blue Horizon Corporation is a global venture capital firm that invests in companies working on sustainable food and agriculture solutions. It has invested in dairy alternative companies such as NotCo, known for its plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Its investments include:

• CAVU Venture Partners: CAVU Venture Partners invests in high-growth consumer brands, including food and beverage companies. It has invested in dairy product companies such as Good Culture, which produces organic cottage cheese and probiotic-rich products.

• PowerPlant Ventures: PowerPlant Ventures invests in companies working on plant-based food and sustainable agriculture. It has invested in dairy alternative companies like Miyoko’s Creamery, which offers vegan cheeses and butters.

Professionals

The following is a list of professionals servicing or investing in the specialty food industry:

Angel Investors

• B. Craig Hutson: B. Craig Hutson is an angel investor and entrepreneur with a combination of CFO start-up experience, consumer-packaged goods/food and beverage sector expertise, and a broad finance background. He conducts diligence on early stage investment opportunities and mentors consumer-packaged goods brands primarily in the “better for you” food and beverage segment.

• Simon Newstead: Simon Newstead is an entrepreneur and angel investor who funded food-tech company Change Food’s animal-free dairy products back in 2020.

Consultants

• EAS Consulting Group: A consultancy firm that provides regulatory consulting services to various industries, including the food and dairy industry. It offers expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, labeling and claims, product safety, and areas related to food and dairy products.
• GPS Dairy Consulting, LLC: An integrated team of independent consultants that works together to provide a broad offering of services, tools, and expertise to help companies in the dairy industry achieve challenging goals.
• Standard Dairy Consultants: Standard Dairy Consultants provides innovative, customized solutions to dairy producers throughout the United States. Its experienced consultants work closely with clients to provide hands-on expertise and guidance with a wide range of customized consulting services designed to support business success and maximize herd health and productivity.

Law Firms/Attorneys

• Beveridge & Diamond PC: Beveridge & Diamond is an environmental law firm that provides legal services to clients in the food and dairy industries. It has attorneys who can address regulatory compliance, environmental issues, and other legal matters relevant to the dairy business.
• Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Faegre Drinker has a strong agricultural and food law practice and offers legal services to clients in the dairy industry. It has attorneys who specialize in various aspects of agricultural law, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and litigation.
• Michael Best & Friedrich LLP: Michael Best is a full-service law firm with a team focused on providing legal services to the agriculture and food sectors. It has attorneys who can assist with dairy law matters, such as Food and Drug Administration compliance, labeling, contracts, and intellectual property.
• Polsinelli PC: Polsinelli is a national law firm with a strong presence in the agricultural industry. It offers legal services in the dairy industry, including assistance with regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and litigation.

Dairy Product Manufacturing Associations

The following is a list of associations for the dairy product industry:

• American Butter Institute (ABI): ABI represents the interests of the butter industry in the United States. It provides advocacy, research, and market information to its members, which include butter manufacturers, marketers, and suppliers.
• American Cheese Society (ACS): ACS promotes and supports the artisan and specialty cheese industry in the United States. It provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and industry recognition for cheese makers, retailers, and enthusiasts.
• American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI): ADPI is a trade association representing dairy ingredient manufacturers, marketers, and suppliers in the United States. It focuses on promoting the interests of the dairy ingredient industry and providing education and networking opportunities.
• American Dairy Science Association (ADSA): ADSA is a professional organization that brings together scientists, educators, and industry professionals involved in dairy science. It promotes research, education, and collaboration to advance the dairy industry’s scientific knowledge and innovation.
• Dairy Business Association (DBA): DBA is an industry organization in Wisconsin, one of the leading dairy-producing states in the United States. It represents dairy farmers, processors, and industry partners and advocates for policies that support the growth and sustainability of the dairy industry.
• Dairy Farmers of America (DFA): DFA is a dairy cooperative based in the United States, representing dairy farmers across the country. It works to enhance the financial well-being and sustainability of its members and plays a crucial role in the dairy supply chain.
• International Dairy Federation (IDF): The International Dairy Federation (IDF) represents the global dairy sector and ensures the best scientific expertise is used to support high-quality milk and nutritious, safe, and sustainable dairy products.
• International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA): IDFA represents dairy processors, manufacturers, and suppliers in the United States. It advocates for the interests of the dairy industry and provides resources and support to its members.
• National Dairy Council (NDC): NDC is a non-profit organization and the nutrition research and education arm of the dairy industry in the United States. It promotes the nutritional benefits of dairy products and conducts research to support dairy’s role in a healthy diet.
• National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF): NMPF is a federation of dairy cooperatives and producer associations in the United States. It works to protect and promote the interests of dairy farmers and the dairy industry at the national level. 

Dairy Product Manufacturing Publications

The following is a list of publications in the dairy product industry:

• Cheese Market News: Cheese Market News focuses on the cheese industry. It provides news, analysis, and market trends related to cheese production, marketing, and consumption.
• Dairy Foods Magazine: Dairy Foods is a leading trade publication covering all aspects of the dairy industry, including processing, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. It provides industry news, market trends, product innovation, and technical articles.
• Dairy Herd Management: Dairy Herd Management focuses on dairy farm management and herd health. It provides practical information, management tips, and industry news for dairy farmers, veterinarians, and industry professionals.
• Dairy Industries International: Dairy Industries International covers the global dairy industry, including processing, technology, ingredients, and market trends. It offers articles and reports on dairy product innovation, industry events, and interviews with industry leaders.
• Dairy Reporter: Dairy Reporter is an online news source that covers global dairy industry news, market trends, new product launches, and regulatory developments. It offers a comprehensive overview of the dairy industry on a global scale.
• Dairy Science & Technology: Dairy Science & Technology is an international journal that covers research and developments in dairy science, technology, processing, and product innovation. It includes articles on milk composition, quality control, dairy microbiology, and dairy product engineering.
• Hoard’s Dairyman: Hoard’s Dairyman is dedicated to dairy farming and herd management. It provides articles on dairy production, genetics, nutrition, and industry updates.
• Journal of Dairy Research: Journal of Dairy Research is a leading scientific journal that publishes original research papers, reviews, and short communications on all aspects of dairy science, including genetics, nutrition, physiology, processing, and product development.
• Milk Magazine: Milk Magazine, a publication by the International Milk Genomics Consortium, focuses on the science of milk and milk products. It features articles on milk composition, genetics, health benefits, and emerging research in the field of milk science.
• The Udder Truth: The Udder Truth, by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in the United States, covers policy issues, market trends, and industry insights related to the dairy farming and processing sectors.

Resources (Books, Podcasts, etc.)

The following is a list of professionals servicing or investing in the dairy product industry: 

• Blogs
  • The Dairy Alliance: The Dairy Alliance blog covers insights and news about dairy farming, health, nutrition, recipes, and school programs.
• Books: 
  • Dairy Production and Processing: The Science of Milk and Milk Products 1st Edition: Dairy Production and Processing offers a fundamental understanding of dairy animals, dairy products, and the production aspects of each, plus a wealth of applied information on the scope of the milk and milk products industry.
• Podcasts
  • Dairy Stream: Dairy Stream focuses on policy, sustainability, market trends, new technology, and farmer involvement. This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
  • DairyVoice: DairyVoice podcasts focus on the business of the farm, bringing the dairy industry-relevant news and information dairy farmers need to know to stay competitive.
  • The Business of Dairy Podcast: The Business of Dairy podcast looks at aspects of management of dairy businesses from within the farm gate and outside the farm gate, speaking to farmers and service providers with skills, information and knowledge of value to businesses. Monthly discussions are on topics that help increase knowledge and understanding of management areas that apply to farm business performance.
  • The Dairy Download: A 25-minute podcast hosted by Phil Plourd and Kathleen Noble Wolfley of Blimling and Associates, a dairy consulting and research firm – it covers dairy market news and offers fresh guest commentary on the consumer and policy trends shaping the dairy industry. The show takes listeners through a top-line report on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange dairy markets, then dives into the headlines and trends shaping dairy production, consumption, and marketing with industry experts, market analysts, and leaders from across food and beverage.

Industry Information

NAICS Code(s)

• 3115 – Dairy Product Manufacturing
• 311511 – Fluid Milk Manufacturing
• 311512 – Creamery Butter Manufacturing
• 311513 – Cheese Manufacturing
• 311514 – Dry, Condensed, and Evaporated Dairy Product Manufacturing
• 311520 – Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing

SIC Code(s)

• 5143 – Dairy Products, Except Dried or Canned
• 514301 – Milk
• 514399 – Dairy Products, except dried or canned, Not Elsewhere Classified (NEC)
• 2023 – Dry, Condensed, and Evaporated Dairy Products
• 202301 – Baby Formulas
• 202302 – Condensed, Concentrated, and Evaporated Milk Products
• 202303 – Dried and Powdered Milk and milk products
• 202399 – Dry, Condensed, Evaporated Products, NEC
• 5451 – Dairy Products Stores
• 545199 – Dairy Products Stores, NEC
• 54519901 – Butter
• 54519902 – Cheese
• 54519903 – Ice Cream (packaged)
• 54519904 – Milk
• 0241 – Dairy Farms
• 024199 – Dairy Farms, NEC
• 02419902 – Milk Production

Contact Us Today To Sell Your Dairy Products Business

While you’re exploring the idea of selling your dairy products business and, ideally, well before you decide either way, we can help. We offer a free consultation to answer any burning questions you may have and to point you in the right direction in terms of next steps. There is no further obligation on your part, unless you want us to handle your sale. Our understanding of your niche means we can guide you to a profitable sale. Get in touch today if you’d like to know more.