Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) today announced strong first quarter 2013 results. The Company reported first quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share of $2.63, compared to first quarter 2012 earnings per share of $0.20. These financial results reflect the January 2013 sale of the Company's Morningstar business, the gain of which is the primary driver of the diluted earnings of $2.63 per share and is reflected in discontinued operations, as well as the Company's majority ownership interest in its consolidated subsidiary, The WhiteWave Foods Company

"We're off to a solid start," said Tony Vernon, CEO of Kraft.  "Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands."

Lifeway Foods Inc., (Nasdaq: LWAY), said its gross sales increased 16% for the year ended Dec. 31, 2012. Sales totaled approximately $89.8 million compared to $77.1 million in 2011. 

Over the past two decades the annual amount of milk collected has increased from 6.6 million liters to 80 million liters, sourced from around 16,000 farmers. The factory produces Nestlé branded products such as Nido, Nescafé, Cerelac and Maggi.

AMPI’s core products were the cooperative’s top performers in 2012. Cheese production, which represents 57% of total sales, grew by more than 11 million pounds as compared to one year earlier. Butter production continued to grow steadily, increasing 5 million pounds. 

Dairy Farmers of America reported today its net income increased more than 100% in 2012 — $83 million for 2012, compared to $40 million for 2011 — but after non-recurring items, DFA reported a net loss of $133 million for the year. 

The company said products making the strongest contributions to U.S. Retail net sales growth in the third quarter included new items such as Yoplait Greek 100 yogurt.

Saputo Inc., Montreal, announced on March 14 that it will close its cheese manufacturing facility in Warwick, Quebec, Canada, in June 2014. 

Land O'Lakes Inc. reported 2012 sales of $14.1 billion (up 10.2% from 2011) and net earnings of $241 million (up 31%). Both are records. Additionally, three of the business segments achieved record sales, and the Crop Inputs segment had record earnings in addition to record sales.

Saputo announced the closure of its cheese manufacturing plant in Heiden (Germany) and enters into a 30-day consultation period for the proposed closure of its facility in Newcastle Emlyn, Wales (United Kingdom). The two plants were acquired in 2006 and 2007 respectively