Dean Foods Recognized by McDonald’s as Sustainable Supply Award Winner

The award recognizes the commitment of the nation’s largest milk processor to animal health and welfare.

Source: Dean Foods

Dean Foods was recently recognized as a "2014 Best of Sustainable Supply" award winner by McDonald's Corporation. As the leader in the North American supplier submissions in the category of Animal Health and Welfare, Dean Foods was only one of four suppliers selected in this category globally.

This recognition was published in a report highlighting how suppliers achieved significant results by identifying opportunities and applying sustainable solutions in diverse places across the world. More than 600 entries were submitted, with Dean Foods earning a prestigious place alongside 50 other leading projects.

Dean Foods supplies McDonald's with single-serve white and chocolate milk, and other dairy products.

"We are honored to be recognized by McDonald's and to be listed among this elite group of companies," said Shay Braun, Dean Foods Senior Vice President of Operations and Procurement. "We pride ourselves on challenging the status quo and delivering new ideas and solutions to our customers, and it's rewarding when customers recognize those efforts."

Dean Foods has taken a holistic approach on developing an animal welfare program based on sound science and the principle that animal welfare should not be a competitive issue, but an expectation for all in animal agriculture. For many years, Dean Foods has been an active member of dairy industry associations. Dean Foods' corporate endeavors include a staff position dedicated to dairy stewardship, a specific charitable focus on national animal health and care initiatives, and the establishment of the Dean Foods Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC). AWAC identifies challenges and opportunities to develop programs to promote sustainability of the dairy farmer and the industry as a whole.

"The submissions in the Best of Sustainable Supply report demonstrate that our suppliers go above and beyond to provide sustainable leadership, and that they take their commitment to preserving resources seriously," said Jose Armario, executive vice president, McDonald's Global Supply Chain, Development & Franchising. "We are fortunate to work with such a diverse and dedicated group of suppliers to service our 35,000 global restaurants each day."

Click here for the complete list of "Best of Sustainable Supply" winners. 

Dean Foods® is a leading food and beverage company in the United States and is the nation's largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fluid milk. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Dean Foods portfolio includes TruMoo®, the leading national flavored milk brand, along with well-known regional dairy brands such as Alta Dena®, Berkeley Farms®, Country Fresh®, Dean's®, Garelick Farms®, LAND O LAKES® milk and cultured products*, Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms®, Mayfield®, McArthur®, Meadow Gold®, Oak Farms®, Pet®**, T.G. Lee®, Tuscan® and more. In all, Dean Foods has more than 50 local and regional dairy brands and private labels. Dean Foods also makes and distributes ice cream, cultured products, juices, teas, and bottled water. Nearly 18,000 employees across the country work for Dean Foods.