Hart Dairy, the largest single-source producer of 100% free-range, grass-fed milk in North America, announced a new investment from Next Gen Nutrition Investment Fund LP (NGN) and the addition of James Cali and Andrew Towle, the firm’s general partners, as chief marketing advisers. The seasoned food and beverage executives will act as special advisers to Hart Dairy’s board to control multichannel marketing and innovation for the company during its continued expansion of better-for-you milk products.
Cali and Towle launched NGN earlier this year to capitalize on high-growth, disruptive and early-stage food and beverage companies that offer superior nutrition with a reduced impact on the planet, Augusta, Ga.-based Hart Dairy said. Cali has a 34-year record of success in general management, sales and marketing, and innovation in leading food companies such as Cadbury, Kraft/Mondelez and Kellogg’s. Prior to entering venture capital two years ago, he led Kellogg’s global snacks category team. Towle has spent his professional life creating value for some of the world’s best-known CPG companies, including Procter & Gamble, Heinz, Georgia-Pacific and Kellogg’s. He has led transformational growth on some of the most iconic international brands, including Tide, Pringles, Heinz Ketchup, Quilted Northern and Special K in North America and internationally.
“We are delighted that both James and Andrew will join the Hart Dairy team as investors and strategic advisers,” said Tim Connell, CEO of Hart Dairy. “We will benefit from their partnership and longstanding industry expertise to strengthen our overall business as we further develop our brand positioning and messaging while we continue to expand our retail footprint. Their 60 years of collective experience will be invaluable to our company and help us further attract world-class talent to our growing team, along with new business opportunities.”
Hart Dairy said it is proud to offer premium milk products while continuing the innovation of its forward-thinking and industry-leading animal welfare practices. This latest announcement comes on the heels of their recent partnership with Island Ventures, a top national supplier of specialty eggs, which supports logistics, supply chain management and innovation as Hart Dairy continues its expansion throughout the country and around the globe.
“We believe strongly in the future of Hart Dairy,” said Cali. “Their 365-day grass-fed program and regenerative agriculture regimen improve milk’s nutrition and have a positive impact on the planet. These are strong consumer benefits, which we are proud to invest in.”
Towle added that NGN has spent over a year getting to know Connell and his team.
“We are impressed with his vision for the company and believe we can help Hart Dairy reach its full potential through NGN’s investment and guidance to help them build strong branding, marketing and innovation into the future,” he said. “The brand is a remarkable story, and we believe it will be a leader in ‘better for you’ dairy.”
For more information about Hart Dairy, visit www.hartdairy.com.
