Mertens Dairy

Challenge Dairy Products, established in 1911, is a cooperative association responsible for the marketing and distribution of dairy products from more than 700 family-owned dairies. The company specializes in the marketing of Challenge brand butter products. Its butter is available in several varieties that include spreadable, European style, unsalted, whipped and light. Challenge Dairy Products is a wholly owned subsidiary of California Dairies. California Dairies engages in the manufacture and supply of butter for major food producers in sizes ranging from large bulk boxes to small cups for restaurant dining. In addition, the company markets dry milk powders through DairyAmerica that include nonfat dry milk, dry buttermilk and dry whole milk. Challenge Dairy Products is located in Dublin, Calif.

Safeway San Leandro Milk Plant, located in San Leandro, Calif., is part of Safeway, one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America. In September 2008, the company operated more than 1,730 stores in the western, Southwestern, Rocky Mountain, midwestern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States and in western Canada. These include 312 Vons stores in Southern California and Nevada, 112 Randalls and Tom Thumb stores in Texas, 37 Genuardi's store in the Philadelphia area, as well as 17 Carrs stores in Alaska. In support of its stores, Safeway has an extensive network of distribution, manufacturing and food processing facilities. A key ingredient in Safeway's success has been the introduction of one of the most extensive private label programs in North America. Its customers can choose from some 3,000 products including Safeway, Lucerne and Mrs. Wright's. An additional 1,250 premium products are marketed under the award-winning Safeway SELECT label.