Organic Valley Posts 20% Growth
Source: Organic Valley
Organic Valley, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers and a leading organic brand, today announced their 2012 year-end results, exceeding expectations in spite of a year of challenges that included the worst drought in 25 years.
In 2012, the farmer-owned cooperative brought on 211 new farmers for 11 percent member growth across the country, increased sales from $715 million in 2011 to $860 million for 20 percent growth, and donated more than $2.2 million to nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing organic food and farming, and building community.
"The widespread drought creating feed shortages was tough, yet our farmer-owned cooperative model proved resilient," said George Siemon, CEO and founding farmer of Organic Valley. "Our farm families and community came together to face the feed shortage while continuing to focus on providing the very best food nature can produce."
While Organic Valley grew 20 percent, projections indicate the organic industry overall grew nearly 10% for the second straight year. Organic sales reached $30 billion in 2011. More than an estimated 70% of organic consumers are moms who seek nutritious, delicious, food for their families that is produced without antibiotics, pesticides, synthetic hormones, or GMOs.
"We are humbled by the amazing growth of organic," adds Siemon. "Families continue to embrace organic as the best food and also as a lifestyle choice. Because of this, organic continues to be a lifeline to family farmers so they can keep farming for generations to come."
In certain regions, Organic Valley saw more growth than ever. In 2012, Organic Valley brought on new farmers in regions such as California, where we went from 17 farmer-owners to 50 by year-end.
New products were also launched in 2012, including the first-ever unprocessed, organic American cheese singles. Organic Valley American Singles™ are 100% real cheese, providing families with a healthier alternative to "processed cheese food" and a delicious, smooth-melting cheese perfect for sandwiches and snacks.
Organic Valley: Independent and Farmer-Owned
Organic Valley is America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of
the nation’s leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,814
farmers in 35 states and three Canadian provinces, and achieved $715 million in
2011 sales. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through
organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including
organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce and juice,
which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives
nationwide. With its regional model, milk is produced, bottled and distributed
right in the region where it is farmed to ensure fewer miles from farm to table
and to support our local economies. For further information, and to learn about
Organic Valley’s 25 years of sustainable agriculture as it celebrates its
anniversary in 2013, visit www.organicvalley.coop. Organic Valley is also on
Twitter @OrganicValley and Facebook www.facebook.com/OrganicValley.
