Prairie Farms Champions Farm-to-Table Ethos with Expansion into Lactose-Free Dairy Products
Source: The DairyNews
In the heart of Edwardsville, Illinois, Prairie Farms Dairy emerges not just as a beacon of dairy excellence but as a steadfast proponent of farm-to-table values. Matt McClelland, CEO and Executive Vice President, embodies the cooperative's spirit, emphasizing, "I work for a bunch of dairy farmers. They’re the heartbeat of this company, and without them, we wouldn’t exist."
With a deep-seated commitment to supporting local farmers and its 7,000-strong workforce across 47 manufacturing plants, Prairie Farms celebrates its dedication to enriching American families with dairy products that are as nutritious as they are delicious. This ethos drives the cooperative, one of the largest in the Midwest and South, leveraging milk from over 600 family-run farms to create a diverse range of dairy delights.
Prairie Farms' portfolio is extensive, featuring Class I products like fresh milk and egg nog, Class II offerings such as cottage cheese and yogurt, and an array of cheeses under Class III. The cooperative's culture of excellence has positioned its cultured dairy products, which account for nearly 3% of its business, for significant growth. Distributed primarily across a swath of the United States, from Alabama to Wisconsin, and extending its reach to Texas with its new single-serve iced coffee, Prairie Farms sets the standard for quality dairy.
McClelland's pride in the cooperative's award-winning products is palpable, especially its cottage cheese, which stands testament to the premium quality of milk sourced from Prairie Farms' farms. This commitment to quality forms the cornerstone of the cooperative’s success.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Prairie Farms' strategy, with the introduction of lactose-free milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream, marking a bold step towards normalizing lactose-free dairy options. This move is aimed at addressing the needs of the approximately 30 million American adults who are lactose intolerant, offering them the delicious dairy flavors they love without the discomfort.
Prairie Farms has not only excelled in dairy production but also ventured into the ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market, launching single-serve iced coffee in Mocha and Caramel flavors. This expansion builds on the success of its half-gallon iced coffee, demonstrating the cooperative's dedication to innovation and meeting consumer demands.
The cooperative's business, primarily dairy-based, boasts $4.6 billion in sales, a testament to its strategic growth and diversification over its 86-year history. Through acquisitions, mergers, and joint ventures, Prairie Farms has broadened its capabilities, notably enhancing its cheese manufacturing prowess through the merger with Swiss Valley Farms.
Prairie Farms' commitment to farm-to-table values, quality production, and community involvement underscores its position as a leader in the dairy industry. As McClelland aptly puts it, "It all starts with our membership, and it all starts with the quality of milk coming from the farm." This foundation has enabled Prairie Farms to navigate the evolving landscape of dairy consumption, championing lactose-free products and expanding its award-winning product line to meet the diverse needs of American consumers.
Prairie Farms' portfolio is extensive, featuring Class I products like fresh milk and egg nog, Class II offerings such as cottage cheese and yogurt, and an array of cheeses under Class III. The cooperative's culture of excellence has positioned its cultured dairy products, which account for nearly 3% of its business, for significant growth. Distributed primarily across a swath of the United States, from Alabama to Wisconsin, and extending its reach to Texas with its new single-serve iced coffee, Prairie Farms sets the standard for quality dairy.
McClelland's pride in the cooperative's award-winning products is palpable, especially its cottage cheese, which stands testament to the premium quality of milk sourced from Prairie Farms' farms. This commitment to quality forms the cornerstone of the cooperative’s success.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Prairie Farms' strategy, with the introduction of lactose-free milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream, marking a bold step towards normalizing lactose-free dairy options. This move is aimed at addressing the needs of the approximately 30 million American adults who are lactose intolerant, offering them the delicious dairy flavors they love without the discomfort.
Prairie Farms has not only excelled in dairy production but also ventured into the ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market, launching single-serve iced coffee in Mocha and Caramel flavors. This expansion builds on the success of its half-gallon iced coffee, demonstrating the cooperative's dedication to innovation and meeting consumer demands.
The cooperative's business, primarily dairy-based, boasts $4.6 billion in sales, a testament to its strategic growth and diversification over its 86-year history. Through acquisitions, mergers, and joint ventures, Prairie Farms has broadened its capabilities, notably enhancing its cheese manufacturing prowess through the merger with Swiss Valley Farms.
Prairie Farms' commitment to farm-to-table values, quality production, and community involvement underscores its position as a leader in the dairy industry. As McClelland aptly puts it, "It all starts with our membership, and it all starts with the quality of milk coming from the farm." This foundation has enabled Prairie Farms to navigate the evolving landscape of dairy consumption, championing lactose-free products and expanding its award-winning product line to meet the diverse needs of American consumers.
