Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield Farm is an American organic dairy brand best known for yogurt and for linking its business model to organic farming and environmental advocacy.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Stonyfield Farm, also known as Stonyfield, is an organic dairy and yogurt brand based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The business began in 1983 when Samuel Kaymen established it on a nineteenth-century farmstead in Wilton, New Hampshire. Its original purpose was not simply to sell packaged food: it started as an organic farming school, reflecting the founders’ interest in developing agricultural practices that avoided synthetic chemicals and supported ecological stewardship. The organization later evolved into a commercial dairy company, with organic yogurt becoming its defining product category. The brand built its identity around certified-organic dairy, environmental responsibility, and support for farmers. Its milk has been sourced from dairy farmers in New England and the Midwest through the CROPP cooperative, better known through the Organic Valley organization. Stonyfield has also used its Profits for the Planet program to direct 10% of profits toward environmental causes. This commitment helped distinguish the company from conventional yogurt manufacturers and made it a prominent example of values-led marketing in the natural and organic food sector. Stonyfield expanded through both brand development and acquisitions. In 2001, Groupe Danone acquired an initial 40% stake. Danone subsequently increased its ownership and had acquired the entire company by 2014. Stonyfield purchased Brown Cow in 2003, adding another organic dairy brand to its portfolio. International expansion followed: the company entered France in 2006 with Les 2 Vaches, expanded into Canada with yogurt produced in Quebec, and introduced the Stony line in the United Kingdom in 2007. The UK line was later discontinued. An organic yogurt brand called Glenisk was also launched in Ireland in connection with the company’s international development. The company remained closely associated with Gary Hirshberg, who served as president and chief executive officer and later as chairman. Hirshberg became a public advocate for organic agriculture, environmental causes, and mandatory labeling of genetically modified food. His activism contributed to the brand’s public profile but also placed the company in political and communications controversies. In 2017, Danone announced that it intended to sell Stonyfield to address antitrust concerns associated with its proposed acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, a major U.S. organic-food company. Lactalis agreed to purchase Stonyfield for $875 million, and the transaction was completed later that year. Stonyfield consequently became part of Lactalis, the French dairy group described in the reference material as the world’s largest dairy company. The sale changed the brand’s corporate ownership while preserving its position as an organic dairy label. Stonyfield’s portfolio is centered on organic yogurt and related dairy products. Its market positioning combines health-oriented food, organic certification, family appeal, and environmental activism. The company has also responded to regulatory and consumer pressure concerning added sugar, announcing in 2017 a plan to reduce added sugars in its yogurt range by 25%. Its public communications have sometimes been contentious, including criticism of a 2018 anti-GMO campaign and of the company’s handling of comments on Facebook. Despite these disputes, Stonyfield remains an active organic dairy brand under Lactalis ownership.
History
Stonyfield Farm originated in 1983 on a nineteenth-century farmstead in Wilton, New Hampshire, where Samuel Kaymen established an organic farming school. The early organization was rooted in the development and promotion of organic agriculture rather than in mass-market dairy manufacturing. Over time, it developed into a commercial organic dairy business, with yogurt becoming its central product and the Stonyfield name becoming associated with organic food, environmental advocacy, and farmer support. The company’s growth reflected the expanding U.S. market for natural and organic foods. Stonyfield used organic certification and environmental commitments to differentiate its products from conventional dairy brands. Its Profits for the Planet program allocated 10% of profits to environmental causes, making philanthropy and ecological messaging part of the company’s operating identity. Its dairy supply included milk from New England and Midwest farmers working through the CROPP cooperative, known for the Organic Valley organization. In 2001, Groupe Danone purchased an initial 40% interest in Stonyfield. Danone later increased its holding until it owned the entire company by 2014. During the Danone period, Stonyfield expanded its portfolio by acquiring Brown Cow in 2003. It also pursued international growth. The Les 2 Vaches brand was introduced in France in 2006, and Stonyfield expanded into Canada with yogurt produced in Quebec. In 2007, it launched Stony, Yogurt on a Mission, in the United Kingdom; that line was subsequently discontinued. The company also participated in the development of an organic yogurt brand called Glenisk in Ireland. Gary Hirshberg was a major figure in Stonyfield’s development and public identity. He served as president and chief executive officer and later as chairman. Under his leadership and public advocacy, the company became associated not only with organic dairy products but also with debates about climate, farming practices, genetically modified foods, and food labeling. Stonyfield’s political engagement became controversial after leaked emails showed Hirshberg lobbying John Podesta for a strong position supporting mandatory GMO labeling during Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. The correspondence also mentioned fundraising activity for the campaign. Stonyfield faced another communications controversy in 2018 after launching an anti-GMO campaign in which children delivered scripted messages. Critics questioned the validity and framing of some claims. The company’s handling of criticism on its Facebook page, including deleting comments and blocking some users, further intensified the dispute. The company also adjusted its product strategy in response to concern about added sugar. In 2017, after pressure from regulators and broader public-health discussion, Stonyfield announced that it would reduce added sugars in its yogurt line by 25%. This decision reflected the tension between the sweetened yogurt category’s consumer appeal and changing expectations around nutrition. Corporate ownership changed again in 2017. Danone announced that it would sell Stonyfield to address antitrust issues related to its planned acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, a major U.S. organic-food producer. Lactalis agreed to purchase Stonyfield for $875 million, and the sale was completed. Stonyfield therefore became part of the Lactalis Group, while continuing to operate as an organic dairy brand. Its historical identity remains tied to organic farming, yogurt, environmental giving, and advocacy, even though it is now owned by a large multinational dairy company.
- 2018
Anti-GMO campaign generates criticism
[1]A campaign featuring children reading scripted anti-GMO messages was criticized, along with the company’s moderation of responses on Facebook.
- 2017
Stonyfield announces a 25% added-sugar reduction plan
[1]The company announced a plan to reduce added sugars in its yogurt line by 25%.
- 2017
Lactalis acquires Stonyfield
[1]Lactalis agreed to purchase Stonyfield from Danone for $875 million; the sale was later completed.
- 2014
Danone reaches full ownership
[1]After successive additional purchases, Groupe Danone owned the entire company.
- 2007
Stony launches in the United Kingdom
[1]Stonyfield introduced Stony, Yogurt on a Mission, its first brand in the UK; the line was later discontinued.
- 2006
International expansion reaches France and Canada
[1]The company entered France with Les 2 Vaches and expanded into Canada with yogurt produced in Quebec.
- 2003
Brown Cow is acquired
[1]Stonyfield acquired Brown Cow, expanding its organic dairy brand portfolio.
- 2001
Danone acquires an initial stake
[1]Groupe Danone purchased an initial 40% shareholding in Stonyfield.
- 1983
Stonyfield is founded as an organic farming school
[1]Samuel Kaymen founded the organization on a nineteenth-century farmstead in Wilton, New Hampshire, initially establishing an organic farming school.
- 1983
Stonyfield is founded
[2]Samuel Kaymen founded Stonyfield as an organic dairy business in New Hampshire.
Products and positioning
Organic dairy and yogurt positioned around environmental stewardship, organic farming, farmer support, family-oriented nutrition, and advocacy for sustainable food systems.
Organic yogurt
Stonyfield Organic Yogurt
Stonyfield’s core product family and the main expression of its brand identity. The line represents the company’s focus on organic dairy, with products sold through the North American market and positioned around organic farming, family consumption, and environmental responsibility. The company announced a plan in 2017 to reduce added sugars across its yogurt line by 25%. Stonyfield's core product category consists of organic cultured dairy yogurt made for everyday consumption. The brand emphasizes organic ingredients, high-quality inputs, and production without harmful pesticides. Products may be offered in multiple flavors, pack sizes, and fat formulations depending on the retail assortment.
Organic dairy brand
Brown Cow
Brown Cow is an organic dairy brand acquired by Stonyfield in 2003. Its inclusion in the portfolio expanded Stonyfield’s presence beyond its primary branded yogurt range and added another established organic label to the company’s dairy business.
Organic yogurt brand · 2006
Les 2 Vaches
Les 2 Vaches, meaning “The Two Cows,” was introduced in France in 2006 as part of Stonyfield’s international expansion. It served as the company’s French organic-yogurt brand and adapted the organic dairy proposition for that market.
Organic yogurt brand · 2007
Stony
Stony, marketed as Yogurt on a Mission, was Stonyfield’s first brand introduced in the United Kingdom. It launched in 2007 but was later discontinued.
Organic yogurt brand
Glenisk
Glenisk was described in the reference material as an organic yogurt brand successfully launched in Ireland during Stonyfield’s international development. The available material does not specify the precise ownership or current corporate relationship in sufficient detail.
Greek yogurt
Organic Greek Yogurt
The Greek yogurt line extends Stonyfield's organic positioning into a thicker yogurt format associated with a more substantial texture and adult-oriented consumption. It is one of the brand's identified flagship offerings and forms part of its effort to serve consumers seeking variety beyond standard yogurt.
Children's yogurt
Organic Kids Yogurt
Stonyfield Organic Kids Yogurt is a family-oriented line designed for children's eating occasions. It supports the brand's positioning in lunchbox, snack, and household dairy use while retaining the broader Stonyfield emphasis on organic ingredients.
Yogurt drinks
Drinkable Yogurt
Drinkable yogurt products provide a portable format within Stonyfield's organic dairy portfolio. They broaden the brand beyond spoonable yogurt and are suited to on-the-go consumption, although detailed product specifications and current assortment are not established by the supplied material.
Frozen dairy
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt represents Stonyfield's extension into a frozen format. It connects the brand's organic dairy identity with an indulgent or dessert-oriented use occasion. The precise current availability of frozen products is not specified in the supplied reference.
Controversies
2018
Anti-GMO advertising and social-media moderation dispute
Stonyfield’s anti-GMO advertising was criticized over the use of children and the accuracy of scripted claims. The company was also criticized for removing comments, blocking users, and labeling critics as trolls on Facebook.
GMO-labeling lobbying controversy
Emails released through WikiLeaks showed chairman Gary Hirshberg lobbying John Podesta for a strong statement from Hillary Clinton supporting mandatory labeling of genetically modified food. The correspondence also referred to Hirshberg raising $400,000 for Clinton’s campaign.
Marketing campaigns
- 2018Anti-GMO campaign featuring children
United States
Stonyfield launched an anti-GMO campaign in which children read scripted messages. Critics challenged the validity of some claims, and the company faced additional criticism over deleting comments, blocking respondents, and characterizing critics as trolls.
Outcome. The campaign generated negative discussion and became a communications controversy.
- Profits for the Planet
United States · Canada
Stonyfield’s environmental-giving program directed 10% of profits toward environmental causes. The program made ecological support a visible part of the brand’s operating and communications platform.
Outcome. Established environmental philanthropy as a central element of the brand’s positioning.
Brand decisions
2017
Reduce added sugar in yogurtStrategyBackground
Regulators and public-health pressure increased scrutiny of added sugar in yogurt and other packaged foods.
Action taken
Stonyfield announced a plan to reduce added sugars in its yogurt line by 25%.
Aftermath
The decision aligned the product portfolio with changing nutritional expectations, although the available source does not document the completed implementation in detail.
2017
Sell Stonyfield to resolve antitrust concernsM&ABackground
Danone announced that divesting Stonyfield would help address antitrust concerns connected with its proposed acquisition of WhiteWave Foods.
Action taken
Danone agreed to sell Stonyfield to Lactalis for $875 million.
Aftermath
The transaction was completed and Stonyfield became wholly owned by Lactalis.
Acquisition price. $875 million (2017 transaction)
2006
Expand into international organic yogurt marketsStrategyBackground
Stonyfield pursued growth outside North America as organic dairy demand developed in additional markets.
Action taken
The company entered France with Les 2 Vaches and expanded into Canada with yogurt produced in Quebec.
Aftermath
The brand developed an international presence, although its later UK Stony line was discontinued.
2003
Acquire Brown CowM&ABackground
Stonyfield sought to expand its organic dairy portfolio beyond its principal yogurt label.
Action taken
The company acquired Brown Cow.
Aftermath
Brown Cow became part of Stonyfield’s broader organic dairy portfolio.
Sources2 sources
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