1925
1925
Samuel E. Dean Sr.
Samuel E. Dean Sr. purchases the Pecatonica Marketing Company, an evaporated milk processing facility located in northwestern Illinois.
A history of goodness that dates back to 1925.
Brief History
A history of goodness that dates back to 1925.
A long history fueled by dairy
Dairy has been nourishing people for more than 10,000 years and, while we got here a little later, we’re proud of our own history that stretches back more than nine decades.
What matters is that we’ve done business with a spirit of goodness, growing from a single small milk business to a trusted source of some of the nation’s favorite food and beverages.
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1927
1927
A new name in dairy
The company changes its name to Dean Evaporated Milk Company, starting a lasting relationship between the Dean name and wholesome, healthy sources of nutrition. In 1929, the name would be changed again to Dean Milk Company.
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1961
1961
Going public
With plans for growth, Dean Milk Company completes its first public offering of common stock to 1,800 shareholders.
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1963
1963
Dean Foods Company
Celebrating decades of success, the company is renamed (again). Dean Foods Company is born.
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1981
1981
Listed on the NYSE
Following the acquisitions of several dairies, Dean Foods is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘DF’.
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1993
1993
Bringing the dairy industry together
Meanwhile, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Suiza Foods makes its first dairy acquisition, marking a new era in the highly fragmented dairy industry. By 2000, Suiza Foods would become the nation’s largest dairy processor and distributor.
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2001
2001
Suiza Foods acquires Dean Foods
Suiza Foods acquires Dean Foods, soon adopting the much-loved Dean Foods brand.
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2002-2005
2002-2005
A growing portfolio of wholesome food and beverages
In just a few short years, Dean Foods acquired White Wave, Inc. (maker of Silk?, the nation’s leading refrigerated soymilk), acquired Horizon Organic Holding Corporation (maker of several organic milk and dairy products) and launched TreeHouse Foods (NYSE:THS) to focus on pickles, dips, dressings and foodservice products
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2006
2006
Taking goodness beyond the pail
Dean Foods issues its first corporate responsibility report, taking a spirit of goodness and authenticity to business processes and practices.
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2012
2012
WhiteWave spin-off and Sale of Morningstar Foods division
Dean Foods refocuses on growing its core dairy business.
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2016
2016
Bringing dairy to every moment
Expanding our range of brands, Dean Foods acquires Friendly’s? and embarks on a successful joint venture with Organic Valley?.
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2017
2017
Expanding our products
Dean Foods invests in Good Karma?, Steve’s Ice Cream? and Uncle Matt’s Organic?, growing our portfolio of great-tasting foods and beverages.
Today, we combine our proven reputation for goodness with a drive to do more. We’re poised to continue our growth and keep nourishing lives for generations to come.
Our Thought Leadership for Retailers
A healthy future
Beyond enriching lives, we believe Dean Foods can play an important role in enriching communities, good causes and the environment.
Environmental sustainability
We’re driven to do right by the environment by committing to large-scale sustainability efforts.
Learn more
Social responsibility
From dairy stewardship to employee safety, the goodness goes far beyond the products we sell.
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Corporate philanthropy
Through the Dean Foods Foundation, we take our responsibility to communities seriously.
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50 iconic regional and national brands