How we compiled the list
We began our research by contacting all of the companies on last year’s Dairy 100 list to request information, including their 2021 (or most recent) revenues and any other updates. We also requested information from companies that almost made last year’s list or underwent a growth spurt in 2021. For public companies that did not respond to us, we relied on publicly available information regarding revenues. For private companies and cooperatives that did not respond, we estimated revenue — relying, in part, on company news and sources that include but are not limited to reports from Forbes and other publications.
As summer fades into fall, leaves start to change color and the days get cooler. This year’s Top Dairy 100 also reflects some companies “cooling” down in sales in the midst of supply challenges, while others, like Mars Ice Cream, are red-hot.
In fact, Burr Ridge, Ill.-based Mars Ice Cream, No. 80 last year, moved up in 15 spots in the ranking, taking the No. 65 spot with estimated 2021 revenue sales of $376.8 million. Mars announced a record year of sales performance for its single-serve bars, multipacks, and tubs, which grew 57% at convenience stores and independent retailers, it reports.
This year’s Dairy Top 100 also includes a few newcomers: St. Burlington, Vt.-based Ben & Jerry’s, a brand of Unilever plc with an estimated $935 million in sales; Stonyfield Organic, Londonderry, NH, a brand of Lactalis Group, with an estimated $437 million in sales; and Sovos Brands Intermediate Inc., with such products as yogurt and frozen yogurt gelato, seeing an estimated $211.5 million in 2021 net revenue.
Top 10 in 2021
1. Nestlé, Zone Americas
2. Saputo Inc.
3. Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
4. Danone North America
5. Agropur
6. Kraft Heinz Co.
7. Schreiber Foods Inc.
8. ConAgra Brands
9. Unilever, North American operations
10. Land O’Lakes Inc. and California Dairies Inc. (tie)
Top 10 in 2022
1. Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
2. Land O'Lakes Inc.
3. Saputo Inc.
4. Nestlé, Zone North America
5. Lactalis Group, North American operations
6. Danone North America
7. Savencia Fromage & Dairy, U.S. operations
8. Agropur
9. Kraft Heinz Co.
10. Schreiber Foods Inc.
