Oakhurst Dairy - Introduction

Introduction

364 Forest Avenue
Portland, Maine 04101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (207) 772-7468
Fax: (207) 874-0714
Web site: http://www.oakhurstdairy.com

Private Company
Incorporated: 1921
Employees: 240
Sales: $85 million (2003 est.)
NAIC: 311511 Fluid Milk Manufacturing; 311513 Cheese Manufacturing

Oakhurst Dairy, the largest dairy in Maine and the largest independent dairy in northern New England, was founded in 1921 and has been managed by the same family for three generations. Oakhurst sells branded and private label milk, cottage cheese, dairy creams, buttermilk, juices, and flavored specialty milks to retail and food service customers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and upstate New York. Between 2000 and 2001 Oakhurst grew between 20 percent and 30 percent, helping the family-run business remain competitive with larger operations. In July 2003, Monsanto Corporation, the manufacturer of the only bovine artificial growth hormone available in the United States, sued Oakhurst for deceptive business practices for the dairy's labeling, which states on their milk products: "Our Farmers' Pledge: No Artificial Growth Hormones." The lawsuit became a touchstone of debate on both the use of artificial growth hormones and the right of commercial free speech.