Borden Dairy
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Dairy products |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas , United States |
Key people | Tony Sarsam (CEO, until bankruptcy 2020), Gregg Engles (CEO, post-2020) |
| Products | Milk, cream, buttermilk, dips, sour cream, juices, teas, flavored beverages |
Number of employees | 3300 (2020) |
Borden Dairy Company is a United States-based processor and distributor of dairy products, with its main office located in Dallas, Texas.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag it serves as the successor to the original Borden Company, which was founded in 1857 by Gail Borden.[1] Previously, it operated as a subsidiary under Dean Foods.[2]
On January 5, 2020, Borden Dairy initiated bankruptcy proceedings due to increasing raw milk expenses and other industry pressures. CEO Tony Sarsam confirmed that the company planned to maintain business operations throughout the restructuring process.[3]
History
The dairy division originally belonged to the Borden Company before being sold in September 1997 to Southern Foods, a company managed by Mid-America Dairymen, now known as Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). Southern Foods was subsequently acquired by Suiza Foods, which later became Dean Foods. Ownership of Borden cheese remains with DFA.
In 2009, Mexican company Grupo Lala purchased National Dairy from DFA and launched its U.S. operations under the Borden Dairy Company name.[4] By 2013, Grupo Lala spun off Borden Dairy into a private entity called Laguna Dairy, S.A. de C.V.[5] Later, in 2017, ACON Investments acquired a majority stake in Borden Dairy while Laguna Dairy retained a substantial share.[6]
Facing declining sales, Borden Dairy along with sixteen affiliated companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 5, 2020, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.[7] Chief Financial Officer Jason Monaco explained that the reorganization was necessary due to factors such as reduced milk consumption, intensified competition from plant-based alternatives, expansion of discount retailers, and growth in private label products.[8]
In June 2020, New Dairy Opco LLC emerged as the winning bidder for the majority of Borden’s assets and assumed ownership. The new entity is led by former Dean Foods CEO Gregg Engles alongside private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). At the time of filing for bankruptcy protection, Borden employed roughly 3,300 individuals.[9]
Elsie the Cow
Elsie the Cow serves as the emblematic mascot for Borden Dairy Company, prominently displayed on their product packaging. Originating in 1936 through advertisements in medical journals, Elsie was the brainchild of advertising executive David William Reid. In 1940, Reid introduced Elmer the Bull, Elsie’s fictional companion, who later became the face of Borden’s chemical division product line, Elmer's Glue. The mascot family grew with the addition of calves Beulah and Beauregard in 1948, followed by twins Larabee and Lobelia in 1957.
In 2000, Advertising Age recognized Elsie as one of the top ten advertising icons in history.
The rights to use the Borden brand and Elsie trademark are licensed to Milk Products, LLC from Hexion Specialty Chemicals, the successor of Borden, Inc.
Advertising
During her tenure on Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena Gomez acted as a brand ambassador for Borden Milk, prominently appearing in both print advertisements and television commercials.
Products
Borden’s range of dairy offerings includes multiple varieties of milk such as:
- Vitamin D
- 2% Reduced Fat
- 1% Lowfat
- Fat Free Skim
- Dutch Chocolate (available in 1%)
- Lite Line
- High Protein
Their product assortment also features:
- Cream
- Buttermilk
- Dips & Sour Cream
- Juices
- Teas
- Flavored Beverages
Distribution
Borden products are distributed across numerous states including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and Ohio. Their availability extends through major retail chains such as Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Kmart, alongside regional stores like Cain's and Piggly Wiggly.
As of May 2021, Borden Dairy maintained 14 manufacturing facilities throughout the Midwest, Southern, and Southeastern United States. These operations are supported by close to 100 distribution centers to enhance supply chain performance and expand market coverage.
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- ↑ KKR, former Dean Foods CEO win bid to buy Borden Dairy Co. in bankruptcy court by Colleen Kottke at Wisconsin State Farmer, 17 Jun 2020