Dean Foods, America’s biggest milk producer, files for bankruptcy

Food & Beverage

Dean Foods, America’s biggest milk producer, files for bankruptcy

Published Tue, Nov 12 20197:44 AM ESTUpdated 29 min ago

Amelia Lucas

Key Points

Dean Foods announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Dallas-based milk processor said that it is engaged in “advanced discussions” with Dairy Farmers of America about a potential sale.

Dean Foods’ business has struggled as more consumers turn to nondairy milk or buy private label products.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

Dean Foods on Tuesday announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Dallas-based milk processor said that it plans to use the Chapter 11 proceedings to keep running the business, and address debt and unfunded debt obligations as it seeks to sell the company. Dean Foods has secured commitments for $850 million in debtor-in-possession financing, a type of funding for companies in financial distress.

Customers are expected to receive their dairy products without any interruptions.

Dean Foods also said that it is engaged in “advanced discussions” with Dairy Farmers of America about selling “substantially” all of its assets. Even if both parties agree to the sale, the transaction would be subject to receiving higher or better offers while the company is in bankruptcy.

In September, Dean Foods said that it had concluded a strategic review and decided against a sale. CEO Eric Beringause joined the company three months ago after serving as chief executive of dairy producer Gehl Foods.

Dean Foods’ business has struggled as more consumers turn to nondairy milk or buy private label products. Americans’ per capita consumption of fluid milk has fallen 26% in the last two decades, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Walmart began processing its own milk in 2017. Walmart’s decision sparked upheaval, leading Dean Foods to cancel more than 100 milk contracts with dairy farmers across eight states. Compounding the company’s problems, grocery chain Food Lion cut ties with the milk producer in 2018.

In seven of its last eight quarters, Dean Foods has reported a net loss.

watch now

VIDEO03:02

Dairy farms struggle in changing milk market