Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic

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Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Dairy

Horizon Organic is a leading brand in the organic food industry, specializing in the production and distribution of organic dairy products. Founded in 1991, Horizon Organic has played a significant role in the growth and development of the organic dairy market in the United States.

History

Horizon Organic was established in 1991 by Paul Repetto and Mark Retzloff, who were pioneers in the organic food movement. The company was created with the mission to provide consumers with high-quality organic dairy products while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In 1998, Horizon Organic became the first publicly traded organic dairy company in the United States.

In 2004, Horizon Organic was acquired by Dean Foods, a major player in the dairy industry. This acquisition allowed Horizon Organic to expand its distribution network and increase its market presence. In 2017, Horizon Organic became part of Danone after Danone acquired WhiteWave Foods, the parent company of Horizon Organic at the time.

Products

Horizon Organic offers a wide range of organic dairy products, including:

• Organic milk
• Organic cheese
• Organic yogurt
• Organic butter
• Organic cream

These products are made from milk sourced from organic farms that adhere to strict standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for organic certification. This includes the prohibition of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Organic Certification

Horizon Organic products are certified organic by the USDA. This certification ensures that the products meet specific standards, including:

• Cows are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones.
• Cows have access to pasture and are fed organic feed.
• Farms use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The organic certification process is rigorous and involves regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with USDA standards.

Sustainability Initiatives

Horizon Organic is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including:

• Supporting organic farming practices that promote soil health and biodiversity.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
• Implementing water conservation measures on farms and in production facilities.

Market Impact

Horizon Organic has been instrumental in increasing consumer awareness and demand for organic dairy products. The brand's success has encouraged other companies to enter the organic market, leading to greater availability and variety of organic products for consumers.

Controversies

Horizon Organic has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly regarding its sourcing practices and the scale of its operations. Some critics argue that large-scale organic operations may not fully adhere to the principles of organic farming, such as maintaining biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact.

See Also

• Organic farming
• Sustainable agriculture
• Organic certification

External Links

• [Official website](https://www.horizon.com)