STONYFIELD FARM – THE BUSINESS MODEL FOR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Founded in 1983 as a small family owned yogurt firm, Stonyfield Farm became a $96.8 million company in 2002 with over 4% of the yogurt market in U.S. and the largest producer of organic yogurt nationwide. Despite its impressive growth, the company has held to its founding mission to support small family-run dairies in New England, provide a healthful, productive and enjoyable workplace for all employees, and serves as a model to show that environmentally and socially responsible businesses can also be profitable. This case study analyzes the drivers and incentives for environmental and social decision-making that have driven the company on the way to sustainability. It demonstrates that even small companies with limited resources can achieve business success while following sustainability principles.