Founded in 1988 and headquartered in La Farge, Wisconsin, Organic Valley is America’s largest farmer-owned organic cooperative and one of the world's leading producers of organic dairy, eggs, and meat products. With over 1,600 family farms under its umbrella, Organic Valley has become a benchmark for ethical farming, sustainability, and clean-label food production in the United States and internationally.
Core Business and Mission
Organic Valley’s mission is to create a healthier, more sustainable future by helping family farms thrive through the production of high-quality organic food. As a cooperative, it empowers its farmer-members with equitable returns and sustainable agricultural practices. The brand is committed to environmental stewardship and transparent food systems.
Product and Service Offerings
Organic Valley offers a diverse portfolio of organic, non-GMO, and pasture-raised products:
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Dairy Products
- Milk (including specialty lines like Grassmilk® and Family First® DHA Omega-3 Milk)
- Butter, Cheese, Cream, Half & Half, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese
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Eggs
- Organic and pasture-raised eggs from hens fed a vegetarian, organic diet
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Meat
- Organic Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Turkey under the Organic Prairie brand
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Specialty Items
- Lactose-Free Milk, Oat Milk Creamers, Grass-fed and Omega-3 enhanced milk lines
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Ingredients Division
- B2B organic dairy ingredients including Sweet Whey Powder, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, and Lactose for food manufacturers
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
Organic Valley’s strength lies in its cooperative model, sustainability practices, and pasture-based dairy production. It is one of the few companies offering certified Grass-fed and Certified Humane® products at scale. The company sources exclusively from small to mid-sized family farms, promoting rural economic development.
Financials
As of the most recent disclosures:
- Annual Revenue (2023): Estimated at $1.2 billion
- Net Income: Confidential, but reinvested into the cooperative
- Farmer-Member Count: Over 1,600 across 34 U.S. states
The company has consistently been among the top five U.S. organic food brands by market share.
Shipment and Trade Data
Organic Valley products are distributed throughout North America and exported to markets in Asia and Europe. While exact shipment numbers are proprietary, industry trade sources indicate:
- Export Reach: Over 15 international markets
- Annual Export Volume (Dairy & Ingredients): Estimated 6,500 metric tons
- Key Markets: Canada, South Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and Germany
Target Market
- Health-conscious consumers
- Families with young children
- Specialty retailers, natural food stores, and major grocery chains
- International distributors seeking premium organic products
Capabilities
- Vertically integrated supply chain across production, processing, and distribution
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Humane®, and Kosher certifications
- Dedicated R&D and ingredient formulation services for B2B clients
- Cold chain logistics to preserve product integrity from farm to shelf
Certifications and Compliance
Organic Valley’s certifications include:
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Humane®
- Animal Welfare Approved
- Kosher Certified
- Carbon Neutral Certification (select farms)
The cooperative operates under strict compliance with National Organic Program (NOP) standards.
Customer Testimonials
- "Organic Valley's milk is the only brand I trust for my children—it’s fresh, tastes amazing, and I love supporting family farms." – Laura H., Whole Foods Shopper
- "Their Grassmilk line is a staple in our household, and the quality is unmatched." – David B., Portland, OR
- "We’ve used Organic Valley ingredients in our organic snacks line, and the quality control and support have been excellent." – Jessica M., Organic Food Manufacturer
Major Achievements
- Pioneered Grassmilk®, a 100% grass-fed dairy line
- First national dairy brand to become 100% carbon neutral across select supply chains
- Recognized by the EPA Green Power Partnership as a top green power purchaser in the food industry
- Launched the Save the Small Organic Farms initiative, advocating for equitable pricing models
- Featured in Time, Forbes, and National Geographic for sustainable agricultural practices
Organic Valley continues to redefine the organic food landscape through its unwavering commitment to farmers, food quality, and environmental responsibility.