Stonyfield purchases Brown Cow

Dairy Foods, March, 2003

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Stonyfield Farm Inc., the nation's largest organic yogurt producer, has purchased California's Brown Cow West Corp., maker of Brown Cow Organic Yogurt.

"Brown Cow is a national treasure and a much respected and revered natural brand," said Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield's president and CEO. "Steve Ford and his family have built a wonderful company in much the same way as Stonyfield, by a maniacal devotion to superior quality and taste, and loyalty to family farmers and natural principles."

Stonyfield Farm, a 20-year old East Coast company, will establish western family farmer agreements and begin processing organic yogurts in California for its western customers. The Brown Cow brand will be introduced to Stonyfield's East Coast base. The combined 2003 revenues are projected to be approximately $130 million, according to company officials.

Stonyfield was recently named to Fast Company magazine's debut list of "Fast 50" Champions of Innovation.