Stonyfield Yogurt: Gary Hirshberg (2017)

How I Built This · 19 Aug 2019 · 58m

What this episode covers

Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of Stonyfield Yogurt, recounts how he and partner Samuel Cayman turned a small organic farm side-hustle into a major US brand despite repeated near-death experiences. They faced severe cash flow crises, outsourced production failures, and a hostile takeover attempt by a co-packer, forcing them to design and build their own factory in Vermont. The company eventually achieved profitability, expanded into organic milk sourcing, and was sold to Danone, and later Lactalis, while maintaining its mission-driven culture.

Mentioned

Companies
Danone, Lactalis, Safeway, Target
Products
Stonyfield Yogurt, SIA Scotch, Oban 14

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