BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Organic, the leading U.S. manufacturer of certified organic foods, announces today that it will replace the electrical power used in its operations with sustainable wind energy, exclusively using wind power for its supply chain. This move joins Horizon Organic with White Wave, the country's largest soyfoods manufacturer, and one of its sister brands since consolidating under its parent company, Dean Foods.

In 2003, White Wave became the largest company to purchase wind energy credits for 100 percent of its manufacturing and operations needs. The company expanded its wind energy purchase to cover the entire supply chain this year.

Beginning January 1, 2005, Horizon Organic joins White Wave in these pursuits by purchasing green tags, the industry term for wind power credits, to cover the energy needed for the entire product supply chain, from growing organic ingredients, to raising and milking organic cattle, to processing and operating its warehouses.

The purchase means that the energy Horizon Organic pulls from the nation's power grid to support its operations will be replaced by wind energy. White Wave's renewable energy purchase in 2004 will approach 25,000 megawatt hours, equivalent to taking 3,039 cars off the road. By applying wind energy credits for each of the brand's supply chains, Horizon Organic and White Wave will together significantly increase the percentage of wind power in the national grid, which will directly result in an increase in clean energy available in the country and a reduction of non-renewable, polluting energy sources.

While the nation's power grid is fueled with many different types of energy, coal, gas and nuclear energy are the primary sources. Currently, less than 2 percent of the energy offered to electricity users comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar power, according to the EPA.

"This is one of the first actions we are taking as a new company. Both brands have been committed to renewable energy and sustainable business practices as core values," said Steve Demos, president of the newly consolidated company, which includes Horizon Organic, White Wave as well as brands from Dean National Branded Group. "Our goal is to lead the industry in environmental stewardship as we conduct business in a way that sustains and improves our environment. Both Horizon Organic and White Wave have always conducted business that way, and together we can make an even greater impact. Using renewable energy, such as wind power, is the right thing to do for our environment and our business."

White Wave recently won the prestigious Green Power Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The brand has also been added to the EPA's Top 25 Partners list for green power. Horizon Organic also has a history of being recognized for its commitment to socially responsible business, receiving the 2002 Colorado Ethics in Business Award and being named one of the top "100 Best Corporate Citizens" for 2003 by Business Ethics magazine.

The new consolidated company can further each of the brand's commitment to a sustainable future through socially responsible business practices that make a difference for the environment as well as set a precedent that socially responsible business practices work, and are profitable.

About Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic produces and markets the leading brand of certified organic milk and a full line of refrigerated, certified organic dairy products. The company also markets certified organic eggs and juices. Horizon Organic products can be found in conventional supermarkets and natural food stores across the U.S. and in the U.K. Horizon Organic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dean Foods Company. For more information, visit http:// www.horizonorganic.com .

About White Wave

White Wave, Inc., was established in Boulder, Colo., in 1977. In 1996, White Wave introduced Silk, America's first refrigerated soymilk. Today, Silk is available in 11 flavors and is the No. 1 selling organic consumer packaged goods brand in the nation. White Wave's product offerings include Silk Soymilk, SunSoy(R) Soymilk, Silk live!(TM) Smoothie and the new TofuTown(TM) Tofu Tenders(TM) line of ready-to-eat tofu. For more information visit http:// www.whitewave.com . SOURCE Horizon Organic