This was re-run on NPR (radio) the other day and I thought it was worth sharing. The backstory of how Stonyfield Yogurt got its start and the incredibly long odds the founders overcame to becoming what is today one of the leading yogurt brands in the country. A classic American story of ingenuity, relentless work ethic and some good fortune. Enjoy
How I Built This: Stonyfield Yogurt - (
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A long time ago it was sold to Dannon and under the agreement, it had to be managed separately to maintain that small culture. The problem is that the people who worked there were so laid back that they had no sense of urgency and would not address critical business issues.
18 months ago Dannon (Danone) purchase White Wave Foods. It was determined that Danone would now own the organic dairy market with all of its brands so they were forced to sell Stonyfield. Knowing the new owner.... the culture of what made Stonyfield unique is long gone.