Horizon Organic Dairy Posts Record Sales and Profits

Horizon Organic Holding Corporation (Longmont, CO) has announced that its 1998 net sales were up 67% from 1997.

"This year marks a terrific turning point for the company. We continued to show strong sales growth and also achieved profitable operations in 1998. We view this performance as validation that we are meeting consumer demand for pure, fresh, healthful organic dairy products," said Barney Feinblum, president and CEO of Horizon Organic.

Don Gaidano, CFO, noted that the company has achieved solid profitability. "In the fourth quarter, Horizon's profit margins remained strong due to the company's improving economies of scale and the maturity of its Idaho farm. Additionally, moving our chocolate milk and cottage cheese production to facilities owned by Suiza Foods benefited our overall margins."

Horizon's recently introduced organic juices also contributed more than a half-million dollars to fourth quarter sales growth. "Our organic citrus juices' reception is very encouraging," said Feinblum. "Juice sales were higher than anticipated, making their first full quarter in the market very successful."

Feinblum also noted that Joe Langley, formerly with the Dannon Company, has been appointed vice president of sales. Langley succeeds Horizon cofounder Mark Retzloff, who will direct the company's strategies regarding acquisitions and strategic partnerships in the new position of senior vice president, corporate development.

Horizon Organic produces, processes and markets certified organic milk and a full line of refrigerated certified organic dairy products, certified organic eggs, and certified organic juices.