California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is the largest milk marketing cooperative in California and the second-largest in the United States. Headquartered in Visalia, California, the company is owned by more than 300 dairy producers who collectively ship approximately 16 billion pounds of milk annually, representing over 40% of California's milk production.
Core Business
CDI operates as a vertically integrated dairy cooperative engaged in the processing, manufacturing, and global marketing of high-quality dairy products. It manages the end-to-end supply chain, from farm-level milk collection to processing and international export. CDI is also the managing partner of DairyAmerica, a leading exporter of milk powders.
Product & Service Offerings
California Dairies, Inc. offers a broad portfolio of dairy products under its own brands and through partnerships:
-
Butter:
- Challenge Butter (one of America’s leading retail butter brands)
- Danish Creamery Butter (premium, slow-churned butter)
-
Milk Powders:
- Nonfat Dry Milk (NFDM)
- Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP)
- Whole Milk Powder (WMP)
- Buttermilk Powder (BMP)
- Nutritional Milk Powders (for infant and adult nutrition)
-
Fluid and Condensed Milk:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (available for industrial use and repacking)
-
Export Focused Products:
- Bulk dairy powders via DairyAmerica
Specialization and Core USP
- Producer-Owned: Ensures consistent milk supply from over 300 family-run farms
- High-Volume Capabilities: Processes more than 16 billion pounds of milk annually
- Global Export Leader: Through DairyAmerica, exports to over 40 countries
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Six manufacturing plants across California with modern technologies
- Quality & Traceability: Stringent quality control with traceability from farm to product
Financial Performance
As a cooperative, CDI does not disclose public financial statements, but key performance indicators and trade data suggest:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $4–$5 billion (based on milk volume and average dairy product pricing)
- Member Payments: Over $3 billion annually distributed to member producers
- Investment: In 2022, CDI invested over $100 million in facility upgrades and sustainability initiatives
Shipment Records
According to trade platforms like Volza and ImportYeti:
- Over 15,000 export shipments recorded over the past decade
- Primary Export Markets: Southeast Asia, China, Middle East, Latin America
- Key Products Shipped: NFDM, SMP, WMP, and butter
- DairyAmerica handles a significant share of these shipments as CDI’s export vehicle
Target Market
CDI targets a wide range of customers, including:
- Global food manufacturers
- Infant nutrition companies
- Bakeries and foodservice providers
- Industrial ingredient buyers
- Retail grocery chains (through Challenge and Danish Creamery brands)
Capabilities
- Six Manufacturing Plants: Located in Visalia, Turlock, Artesia, Tipton, and other strategic hubs
- Research & Development: Supports innovation in dairy nutrition and formulation
- Cold Chain Logistics: Ensures product integrity for domestic and international clients
- Sustainability Programs: Significant investments in renewable energy and water efficiency
Certifications and Compliance
All CDI facilities and products are compliant with:
- USDA and FDA regulations
- FSSC 22000 food safety management certification
- Kosher and Halal certifications
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Sustainability Guidelines
These standards ensure global market readiness and compliance with destination country regulations.
Customer Testimonials
CDI’s long-standing partnerships with Fortune 500 food companies and global importers underscore its reliability. Customer feedback in industry publications often highlights:
- Consistency in product quality
- Exceptional traceability and documentation
- High responsiveness in contract fulfillment
Major Achievements
- Challenge Butter ranked among the top-selling butter brands in the U.S.
- DairyAmerica recognized as a top global exporter of dairy powders
- Over 40% of California’s milk processed through CDI’s network
- Sustainability Leadership: Achieved more than 25% water use reduction across facilities
- Export Expansion: Added distribution hubs in China and Southeast Asia in recent years
With unmatched scale, a deep-rooted producer base, and a sharp focus on quality and global reach, California Dairies, Inc. continues to be a powerhouse in the international dairy trade landscape.
