Winn-Dixie sells off dairies

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Winn-Dixie Stores today announced that it plans to sell its two dairies to Southeast Milk, a Florida-based cooperative of more than 300 family-owned dairy farms. The dairies are located in Plant City, Fla. and Hammond, La.

According to the company, the dairies will remain in full production and Winn-Dixie associates working in the plants will become employees of SMI at the close of the sale.

Winn-Dixie President, ceo and chairman of the board, Peter Lynch said, "We have concluded that the sale of our dairies is in the company's best interest as we continue to sharpen our focus on the retail operation of our business. We are pleased that SMI recognizes the value of our dairies and the associates who work there, and we look forward to a successful partnership."

Upon completion of this transaction, Winn-Dixie will operate one manufacturing plant — its private label Chek Cola plant located in Fitzgerald, Ga.