2 chapters across the catalog
Dean Foods, the largest milk producer in the United States, has filed for bankruptcy. The company's decline is attributed to a 40% drop in U.S. milk consumption since 1975 as consumers shift toward soda, juice, and plant-based alternatives like almond and soy "milk." The loss of local brands like Berkeley Farms is noted as a consequence of the company's financial failure.
Dean Foods and the Monopolization of the Dairy Industry
Dean Foods is identified as a massive conglomerate that has acquired numerous local dairies, including Berkeley Farms and Altadena. The company has faced multiple lawsuits for monopolistic practices and allegedly squeezing out small dairy cooperatives. The hosts link this consolidation of the food supply to broader themes of corporate control and the decline of independent farming.
