Dallas, TX– Dean Foods Co., a food and beverage company that specializes in dairy and soy products, announced on Thursday it has acquired Uncle Matt’s Organic, an orange juice company.

According to Dean Foods, the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will expand the company’s non-dairy assortment and emphasize the company’s commitment to healthy foods.

"I am pleased to welcome Uncle Matt's Organic into the Dean Foods family,” said Ralph Scozzafava, Dean Foods CEO, in a press release. “As a strong brand in an adjacent category, Uncle Matt's will play an important role in our growing portfolio of healthy products. Dean Foods is committed to supporting Uncle Matt's product innovation efforts and their ongoing development and growth in the natural channel. Moreover, our core strengths in selling and distribution will enable consumers’ unprecedented access to Uncle Matt's delicious, on-trend line of products.”

As part of the deal, Uncle Matt’s Organic will continue business out of its Clermont, Fla., offices. Matt McLean, founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic, will also join Dean Foods to continue leading the brand.

"Joining Dean Foods allows me to continue to nurture the brand I started nearly 20 years ago," said McLean. "Our mission has always been to produce the highest quality organic juices. Becoming part of Dean Foods will allow us to bring organic to consumers at a scale that supports the organic farming community and increasing consumer interests at the same time."

In addition to Uncle Matt’s Organic, Dean Foods recently announced a partnership with Organic Valley, a producer of organic milk, cheese and butter, as well as a minority stake in Good Karma Foods, a producer of flaxseed-based milk.

Posted on WholeFoods Magazine online 6/23/2017