Three California dairies form new association

July 16,1999

California Milk Producers, Danish Creamery Association and the San Joaquin Valley Dairymen have officially merged into California Dairies, Inc. The merger becomes effective Aug. 1, giving CDI 700 members who produce about 13 billion pounds of milk a year, making it the second largest dairy cooperative in the country.

The new cooperative also will have five manufacturing plants, all in California. More than 45% of the milk produced in the state will be produced by co-op members. "In addition to being a major marketer of milk and other dairy products, CDI, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Challenge Dairy Products, Inc., will also market premium branded products and thereby be positioned well for future growth," said Executive Vice President Jim Gomes.