Who Owns Stonyfield?
Stonyfield is owned by Lactalis Group, the private French dairy conglomerate, which acquired the brand from Danone in 2017 for approximately $875 million. Stonyfield was founded in Wilton, New Hampshire in 1983 and is the best-selling certified organic yogurt brand in the United States. Stonyfield is a certified B Corp and was among the first large food companies to pursue that certification.
Parent Company
Lactalis Group
Acquired
2017
Status
Private
Headquarters
Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA
Who Owns Stonyfield?
- Parent Company: Lactalis Group
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2017
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Stock Ticker: N/A: N/A
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stonyfield | Lactalis Group | Wholly owned |
History of Stonyfield
- Founded: 1983
- Founders: Gary Hirshberg, Samuel Kaymen
- Acquired by Lactalis Group: 2017
Stonyfield Farm was founded in 1983 in Wilton, New Hampshire by Gary Hirshberg and Samuel Kaymen. Kaymen had been running the Rural Education Center, a small farm and educational nonprofit, and was making yogurt from farm animals to be self-sufficient. Hirshberg joined as a business partner to commercialize the organic yogurt.
The name "Stonyfield Farm" reflected the rocky New England terrain of the original farm. The brand grew slowly at first, building distribution through natural food retailers and positioning itself explicitly around organic dairy farming practices, environmental sustainability, and no artificial ingredients.
Danone began investing in Stonyfield in 2001, acquiring a minority stake, and eventually purchased full ownership. Stonyfield was operated with significant independence under Danone, maintaining its B Corp certification, Hirshberg's active role as an environmental advocate, and its original New Hampshire headquarters and management team.
Danone sold Stonyfield to Lactalis in 2017 for approximately $875 million as required by US antitrust authorities. Stonyfield has continued to operate under the Lactalis ownership with its independent brand identity intact.
About Lactalis Group
French multinational dairy products company founded in 1933, known for cheese, milk, and dairy products, headquartered in Laval, France.
- Founded: 1933
- Headquarters: Laval, France
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Stock: N/A: N/A
- Revenue: approximately EUR 29 billion (FY2024)
- Employees: approximately 85,000
Where Is Stonyfield Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA
Where to Buy
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Stonyfield on AmazonCompetitors to Stonyfield
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danone | France | 1987 | Mass market | Global | All Genders | |
| Chobani | USA | 2007 | Us yogurt-market-leader | United states | All-consumers | |
| Danone | France (Danone) | 1942 | Mainstream us-yogurt | United states | All-consumers | |
| Fage | USA (US operations) / Luxembourg (holding) | 1926 | Premium authentic-greek-yogurt | Global | All-consumers | |
| Danone | France | 2011 | Major us-greek-yogurt-brand | United states | All-consumers | |
| Lactalis | USA | 2006 | Us skyr-leader | United states | All-consumers |
Learn More About Competitors
Activia
Owned by Danone
Probiotic yogurt brand owned by Danone SA, sold in more than 70 countries. Activia is positioned as a digestive health product and is one of Danone's highest-revenue dairy brands globally.
Chobani
Owned by Chobani
American Greek yogurt brand that disrupted the US yogurt market after its 2007 launch, and the best-selling yogurt brand in the United States by dollar sales. Founded in upstate New York by Hamdi Ulukaya.
Dannon
Owned by Danone
The US commercial name for the Danone yogurt brand, owned by Danone S.A. Dannon is one of the original mass-market yogurt brands in the United States, covering mainstream stirred yogurts, Light & Fit, and the Danimals children's line.
Fage
Owned by Fage International S.A.
Greek dairy company and the creator of authentic Greek strained yogurt, founded in Athens in 1926. Fage Total is the best-known authentic Greek yogurt brand in the United States, predating the mainstream Greek yogurt boom by more than a decade.
Oikos
Owned by Danone
American Greek yogurt brand owned by Danone, competing directly with Chobani and Fage in the strained yogurt segment. One of Danone's key US yogurt brands alongside Activia and Dannon.
Siggi's
Owned by Lactalis Group
Icelandic-style skyr brand founded in New York City in 2006 and owned by Lactalis Group since 2018. Known for its lower sugar content and simple ingredients, inspired by the Icelandic dairy tradition of skyr.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Stonyfield competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Lactalis Group Stock Information
Jobs at Lactalis Group
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