A new era — and new look — for Central Dairies 14 Apr 2025, 12:42 pm

A new era — and new look — for Central Dairies

Your favourite Central Dairies products have a fresh, locally inspired look thanks to new ownership.

Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative (NL Dairy Co-op) is celebrating its purchase of Central Dairies with a brand new, locally inspired look. The transaction, which officially closed in late 2024, makes the co-operative our province’s only 100% locally owned and operated fluid milk processor.

“We wanted our packaging to celebrate the pride our farmers, our employees and our customers have in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Scott Antle, President and Chief Administrative Officer of NL Dairy Co-op. “As we updated our cartons to reflect NL Dairy Co-op’s ownership of Central Dairies, we felt it was the right time to reimagine the full design and introduce a new look that honours our commitment to the province and its distinctive culture.”

Our new packaging is a celebration of all things Newfoundland and Labrador, with nods to our unique wildlife, history and cultural symbols. From dairy cows sporting sou’westers to puffins and jellybean row houses, the carton designs are 100% local — just like the milk inside.

“Our farmers have always been committed to delivering the best quality, local products for our friends and neighbours. We also know that buying local is more important to our customers than it’s ever been,” says Crosbie Williams, founding member of the NL Dairy Co-op and owner of Pond View Farm. “When you see our new Central Dairies packaging in the store, you can be confident that you’re choosing a product that is made right here at home.”

The new-look packaging has already started hitting shelves, and over the next few weeks, shoppers will see the transformation across all two-litre milk cartons.

“This is a very exciting time for Central Dairies and our province’s dairy industry. We know that dairy plays a vital role in the province’s food security. And we’re proud to be leaders, investing and innovating so that more of the food we all love can be manufactured right here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” adds Antle.

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New Dairy Co-op Bringing ‘Made in NL’ to the Next Level 6 May 2024, 11:30 am

Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative will be the province’s only 100%-locally owned and operated fluid milk processor, delivering local dairy from farm to fridge. 

[St. John’s, NL, May 6, 2024]

Nineteen dairy producers from across the province have united to form the Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative (NL Dairy Co-op), becoming the only fluid milk processor fully owned and operated by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. 

The new co-operative will generate new jobs and economic benefits for the province and invest in local processing capabilities to increase the availability of made-in-NL dairy products. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador. For generations, our dairy farmers have delivered safe, high-quality, 100% locally produced milk for our friends and neighbours. That will never change,” explains Crosbie Williams, founding member of NL Dairy Co-op and owner of Pond View Farm. “But now, when you choose Central Dairies, you’re doubling down on the local benefits. You’re choosing a brand that is completely owned, operated and managed here in our province by fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.” 

In December 2023, NL Dairy Co-op entered into a binding agreement to purchase Agropur’s fluid milk processing and distribution business in Newfoundland and Labrador – including the Central Dairies brand. Now in its interim period, this purchase will bring ownership of Central Dairies back to the province, creating new local jobs and spurring additional investments.

To complement the extensive knowledge of its membership and processing team, the co-operative has already hired two local executives with deep expertise in the dairy and beverage manufacturing industries to lead its operations. 

Scott Antle has come on board as President & Chief Administrative Officer after nearly two decades as an executive at Browning Harvey – one of the province’s largest and best-known beverage manufacturing and distribution companies. With experience in everything from corporate finance to strategic planning, Scott is a significant addition to the leadership team and will play a crucial role in the implementation of financial and distribution systems. 

John Moores has also joined the co-operative as its Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, John served as General Manager of Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador and brings over 16 years of experience working with dairy industry both provincially and nationally.

“We are building a leadership team that understands the unique challenges faced by both trade and household customers and we will be ready to face them head-on,” says Moores. “The NL Dairy Co-op is committed to meeting customer needs and we’re excited to deliver on our promise of getting quality products from our farms to your fridge.”

In addition to owning and operating Central Dairies, NL Dairy Co-op will support retailers and their customers by distributing national dairy products on behalf of Agropur and other processors – including butter, ice cream, cheese, and cultured products, like sour cream. The co-operative will also invest in expanding the availability of locally made products to meet the evolving needs of local families.

“We’re excited about our investment in the Central Dairies brand and our ongoing relationship with Agropur, but it’s just the beginning,” says Antle. “Dairy plays a vital role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s food self-sufficiency. And we’re proud to be leaders, investing and innovating so that more of the food we all love can be manufactured right here at home.”

This acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.

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