In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 biggest milk companies in the U.S. To see more such companies click 16 Biggest Milk Companies in the U.S.
5. Nestle USA
Revenue in 2022: $12.78 billion
Employing over 30,000 people across 28 states, Nestle USA is one of the biggest food and beverage companies with a market cap of $317 billion. Coming in at number 106 on the Fortune 500 list, the company boasts one of the biggest portfolios of dairy products in the U.S. The company purchases more than tons of fresh milk annually, with its American branch making up a big chunk of the dairy industry.
The company stands out for offering dairy products for every stage of life, from childhood to seniors. Some of its biggest milk products include Nido Bear Brand Cocoa and Malt beverages like Milo Nesquik and Carnation. Nestle USA delivers over 40 billion fortified servings every year. The company generated $12.78 billion in revenues from milk and ice creams in the U.S. in 2022.
4. Land O’ Lakes
Revenue in 2022: $19 billion
Based in Arden Hills, Minnesota, Land O’ Lakes is one of the oldest milk companies, founded in 1921 by dairy farmers. The company has a total membership of 2,809, mostly made up of farmers with 1,319 dairy producers. The company manufactures dairy products under its label and contracts with other labels and brands.
While operating in 50 states across the country, it employs over 9,000 people. The farmer-owned company generated $19 billion in net sales last year and returned over $170 million to members. In addition, the company is ranked position 232 in the Fortune 500 list, affirming its credential as one of the biggest companies in the U.S.
3. Dairy Farmers America
Revenue in 2022: $24.5 billion
Dairy Farmers bills itself as an organization of local family farmers nationwide. With more than 11,500 dedicated family farmers, it is one of the biggest milk companies in the U.S. The farmers spread across the country send their milk to the company’s facilities for processing, packaging, and selling.
It operates as a milk marketing cooperative and processor of dairy products. Some of the company’s biggest dairy brands include Alta Dena, Borden Cheese, and Cache Valley Cheese. The company’s sales increased by 28% in 2022 to $24.5 billion helped by higher milk prices in the U.S.
2. Kraft Heinze
Revenue in 2022: $26 billion
With a market cap of $48 billion, Kraft Heinz is the world’s fifth-largest food and beverage company and the third in North America. It is ranked 139 in the Fortune 500 companies in the U.S., generating over $26 billion in annual net sales. While the company deals in various consumer products, cheese and other dairy products account for a big chunk of its revenue base.
Its dairy products include cheeses like Velveeta Cracker barrel Cheddar cheese. Its notable dairy products distributed across the country include Kraft Athenos and CheeseWhiz. It also offers powdered cheese, soft cheese, and Italian-style cheese.
1. Danone North America
Revenue in 2022: $29.14 billion
Danone is a French dairy giant with a significant footprint in the USA. The company came into being in 2017 on Danone acquiring WhiteWave Foods resulting in one of the top 15 food and beverage companies in North America.
With a market cap of about $44 billion, the company specializes in essential dairy and plant-based products. It produces and distributes yogurts and milk and cheese products across the country. Some of its biggest brands include Activia, Danimals, Dannon, Horizon Organic, and International Delight. The company’s revenues increased by 1.45% last year to $29.14 billion. The company employs more than 6,000 people, with offices in the U.S. and Canada.
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