Hiland Dairy
Hiland Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, founded in 1938 and part of Prairie Farms, operating 16 plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South. It produces and distributes a broad portfolio of fluid milk, cultured dairy, ice cream, lactose-free, and plant-based products to over 25,000 retailers, schools, and foodservice customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1938
- HeadquartersSpringfield, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hiland Dairy does
Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC is a private, farmer-owned dairy cooperative founded in 1938 in the Ozarks and headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, operating as part of the Prairie Farms Family of Companies. The company runs 16 processing plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South, serving retail grocery stores, K-12 schools, food banks, and private-label/co-packing customers from Nebraska to Texas, with products typically moving from farm to shelf within 48 hours.
The product portfolio is broad and SKU-deep across fluid milk (conventional, flavored, lactose-free), butter, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, dips, ice cream (premium, light, frozen yogurt, sherbet, no-sugar-added), yogurt, buttermilk, half-and-half, whipped cream, Hispanic crema under the La Campanera brand, plant-based alternatives (soy, almond, oat), juice, lemonade, fruit drinks, Red Diamond tea, water, and a school milk program qualified under the Buy American Program. Underlying processing technology includes pasteurization exceeding FDA minimums (161°F for 15+ seconds, cooled to 39°F), lactase enzyme processing for lactose-free SKUs, In-Mold Label packaging for recyclable extended-shelf-life formats, and wastewater recycling (e.g., 250,000 gallons/day at Chandler, OK).
The business model is predominantly consumer CPG dairy sold via direct store delivery through Hiland's own fleet, reaching more than 25,000 retailers, augmented by school milk direct sales, private label/co-packing manufacturing, and ancillary non-dairy distribution (Red Diamond tea, water). Pricing is unit-based at standard retail; no subscription or enterprise SaaS-style contracts are disclosed. The company is part of Prairie Farms Dairy and is governed as a farmer-owned cooperative, with member-farmer milk sourced within roughly 100 miles of processing plants.
Hiland Dairy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hiland Dairy
- Legal name
- Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC
- Website
- https://hilanddairy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1938
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Hiland Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, founded in 1938 and part of Prairie Farms, operating 16 plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South. It produces and distributes a broad portfolio of fluid milk, cultured dairy, ice cream, lactose-free, and plant-based products to over 25,000 retailers, schools, and foodservice customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hiland Dairy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dairy Products Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Dairy Product Manufacturing (3115), Fluid Milk Manufacturing (311511), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152), Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing (31151)
- SIC
- Dairy Products (2020), Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Flavored & Sweetened Fluid Milk Processing (Chocolate/Strawberry, etc.) (AFAHAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Dairy Spreads, Dips & Cream Cheese Manufacturing (AFAKAKAL), Dairy-Based Frozen Novelties Manufacturing (Bars, Sandwiches, Cones) (AFAHAEAG), Coffee & Tea Dairy Beverages (Iced Latte/Milk Coffee, Milk Tea, Chai-Based Dairy Drinks) (AFAHAIAF), Butter & Cultured Dairy (Yogurt, Sour Cream, Kefir) Wholesale (AFAIAEAB), Cream & Half-and-Half Processing (AFAHAAAG)
Keywords
Where Hiland Dairy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Springfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices14 records
Markets served
Hiland Dairy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Dairy Product Sales: Sale of physical dairy products including milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and specialty items through retail grocery stores and direct store delivery
- Private Label and Co-packing: Flexible manufacturing for retail and foodservice private label products with regional distribution
- School Milk Programs: Supply of milk and dairy products to schools through Buy American Program qualified products
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Retail dairy products available at grocery stores |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Hiland Dairy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hiland Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that manufactures and distributes a broad portfolio of fresh and processed dairy products including fluid milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, dips, lactose-free dairy, and plant-based alternatives. The company operates 16 processing plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South, serving retail grocery chains, K-12 schools, foodservice operators, and other businesses through direct store delivery. Hiland also provides private label and co-packing manufacturing services for retail and foodservice customers.
Product overview
Hiland Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy company founded in 1938, offering an extensive portfolio of fresh dairy products across multiple categories. The product line includes Butter, Buttermilk, Cheese, Coffee Creamer, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Crema, Dairy-Free Options (plant-based alternatives), Dips, Fruit Drinks, Half & Half, Ice Cream (premium, light, frozen yogurt, sherbet), Iced Coffee, Juice, Lactose-Free Milk and Dairy, Lemonade, Milk (regular and flavored), Red Diamond Tea, Seasonal Products (egg nog, flavored milks), Sour Cream, Water, Whipped Cream, Yogurt (fat-free, low-fat, and smoothies), and a School Milk Program. The company operates 16 plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South, delivering farm-fresh milk typically within 24-48 hours from cow to table. The portfolio addresses various dietary preferences including lactose-free, fat-free, sugar-free, and traditional dairy offerings, with recent additions of plant-based alternatives (soy, almond, oatmilk) to meet evolving consumer needs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Red Diamond Tea: Tea products distributed by Hiland Dairy
- La Campanera
- Red, White & Boom
- Fire in The Hole
Products and services
- Butter (Salted, Unsalted, Spreadable)
Quantifiable outcome
- Milk goes from farm to store within 24 hours on average
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Hiland Dairy
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Hiland Dairy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Hiland Dairy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.
- Feeding AmericamajorPrairie Farms Family of Companies, in partnership with Hiland Dairy and Feeding America, donated 250,000 servings of fresh whole milk to 50 food banks across 20 U.S. states on June 24, 2026, to address food insecurity during June Dairy Month and America's 250th anniversary. The donation specifically targets families facing food insecurity, including military households.
- Frisco RoughRidersminorHiland Dairy became naming rights partner of the Sweet Spot concession stand and Official Dairy and Water Partner of the Frisco RoughRiders Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, expanding concession offerings at Riders Field.
- Indianapolis Motor SpeedwaycorePrairie Farms Dairy and Hiland Dairy launched the 'United in Tradition' sweepstakes tied to the Indianapolis 500, distributing collectible milk bottles across more than 25,000 retailers and 200 million commemorative half-pint cartons to schools with QR codes for sweepstakes entry.
- American Dairy Association IndianaminorCollaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway and American Dairy Association Indiana for United in Tradition sweepstakes tied to the Indy 500.
- Alex's Lemonade Stand FoundationmajorPrairie Farms Dairy and Hiland Dairy reached their $100,000 donation goal for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation through lemonade product sales, supporting childhood cancer research with ongoing long-term partnership commitment.
- Folds of HonormajorPrairie Farms and Hiland Dairy announced a $250,000 donation to Folds of Honor for academic scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders, supporting 50 scholarships of $5,000 each.
- Silver Dollar CitycorePartnership for Red, White & Boom ice cream celebration including prize giveaways, live events, and tastings at Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor at Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri.
- QCS Purchasing CooperativeminorPrairie Farms and Hiland Dairy received multiple awards at the 2025 QCS Annual Conference for product quality, safety, and operational excellence, including a collaboration award for partnership with Rocket Products.
- Rocket ProductsminorCharitable partnership supporting childhood cancer research through collaborative award recognition at QCS Annual Conference.
- Midwest DairyminorSchool milk program partnerships providing virtual farm tours and dairy education resources for educators through Midwest Dairy's platform.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Hiland Dairy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hiland Dairy social profiles
Digital presenceHiland Dairy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Hiland Dairy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hiland Dairy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Hiland Dairy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries11 records
Hiland Dairy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hiland Dairy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hiland Dairy
What does Hiland Dairy do?
Hiland Dairy is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that manufactures and distributes a broad portfolio of fresh and processed dairy products including fluid milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, dips, lactose-free dairy, and plant-based alternatives. The company operates 16 processing plants and 56 distribution centers across the Midwest and South, serving retail grocery chains, K-12 schools, foodservice operators, and other businesses through direct store delivery. Hiland also provides private label and co-packing manufacturing services for retail and foodservice customers.
Is Hiland Dairy a public or private company?
Hiland Dairy is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Hiland Dairy founded?
Hiland Dairy was founded in 1938. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Hiland Dairy based?
Hiland Dairy is headquartered in Springfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hiland Dairy make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Dairy Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are private Label and Co-packing and school Milk Programs.
Does Hiland Dairy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hiland Dairy.
What industry is Hiland Dairy in?
Hiland Dairy's product category is Dairy Products Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAHAAAB, Flavored & Sweetened Fluid Milk Processing (Chocolate/Strawberry, etc.), with a secondary code of AFAKAKAL, Dairy Spreads, Dips & Cream Cheese Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 3115 and its SIC code is 2020.