So Delicious Dairy Free

In 1987, Mark Brawerman founded a company in Eugene, Oregon, with a focus on providing dairy-free alternatives. Operating for years as Turtle Mountain, it became a pioneer in the plant-based category, offering products like frozen desserts, beverages, and cultured items. The company was an early adopter of organic and non-GMO ingredients, building a loyal following among consumers with dietary restrictions and those seeking healthier options. A pivotal moment arrived in 2014. By then, the company, known as So Delicious Dairy Free, had grown significantly, reporting net sales of $115 million for the twelve months ending in June 2014. This success attracted the attention of WhiteWave Foods, a major player in the packaged food industry, which acquired So Delicious for approximately $195 million in cash. The deal was a strategic move for WhiteWave, expanding its own plant-based portfolio, which already included the Silk brand, and giving it entry into the plant-based frozen dessert market. The story took another major turn just a few years later. In 2017, French food giant Danone completed its acquisition of WhiteWave Foods for $12.5 billion. This landmark transaction brought So Delicious under the umbrella of a global food-products corporation, creating a powerhouse in the rapidly growing market for organic and plant-based foods.