The Dallas-based processor retains the top spot on the Dairy 100, our exclusive listing of the largest dairy-food processors in North America.
Dean Foods retained its top spot on the Dairy 100, while Nestlé USA (No.2) and Land O’ Lakes (No. 5) moved to the head of the rankings. Saputo at No. 3 and Kraft at No. 4 round out the Top 5. Rankings are based on 2010 revenues (or most recently completed fiscal year). This is the 18th year that Dairy Foods has compiled a list of North America’s largest dairy processors.
Nestle’s jump is because this year we included sales of its beverages, not just ice cream brands, as was the case in the 2010 report. The revenues shown for the U.S. activities of this Swiss-based company (listings begin on page 66) are estimates. Like many international conglomerates, Nestlé S.A. does not report sales from its operating units. Estimates, which are marked with an asterisk (*), are based on published news reports, business and government databases, industry trends, competitors’ insights or Dairy Foods’ “best guess.”
By and large, the information published in this report comes from the processors themselves. Dairy Foods asked representatives to review and revise previously collected information about their companies’ brands, products and plants.