Maine Milk Producers Holding Their Own in Face of Changing Tastes

Maine milk producers are dealing with the same declining sales issues that led to the bankruptcy filing this week by Dean Foods, the country’s top producer of milk.

A 40 percent decline in the consumption of fluid milk since the mid-70s by U.S. consumers has challenged dairies across the country, but Maine producers say other products have stabilized their operations.

John Bennett, the president of Portland-based Oakhurst Dairy, said declines in liquid milk sales at Maine’s best known milk processor have been offset through “cost-saving initiatives, our strong local brand recognition and key product innovations such as blueberry milk, egg nog and other seasonal programs.” He declined to disclose sales figures.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Portland Press Herald