“Is Fairlife Milk Going Out of Business?” This question has recently been one of the dominant questions in the minds of many milk consumers. This is especially true for those who have developed a liking for this unique brand of milk.
Recently, the brand faced some challenges with its supply, which caused its products to experience a worldwide shortage. Apart from that, the recent legal issues faced by Fairlife Milk have also cast a shadow on the future of the popular milk brand.
So, what is really happening with Fairlife Milk? Is the brand facing financial troubles? Is Fairlife Milk going out of business? These and many more questions about this brand are going to be answered in this post.
What about Fairlife Milk – A Quick Overview
Right from when Fairlife Milk was launched in 2012, the company has quickly captured hearts with its health-centric approach. It’s not just milk but a promise of higher protein, lower sugar, and a nod toward environmental responsibility.
Using sophisticated filtration and ultra-pasteurization, Fairlife extends the milk’s shelf life significantly (up to 110 days unopened!) and enriches its nutritional content. The brand has become the go-to recommendation by health professionals, especially for growing kids.
However, the road hasn’t always been silky smooth for Fairlife. Recent challenges, including controversies over animal care and supply hiccups, have posed significant hurdles. Now, let’s take a closer look at the question of the day, ‘Is Fairlife Milk going out of business?’
Is Fairlife Milk Going Out of Business?
Perhaps not the answer you expected. But Fairlife Milk is not going out of business. Despite bumps along the way, particularly with supply issues and a shadow cast by animal care controversies, Fairlife continues to operate.
The company is actively working to ensure its products return in full force on the market shelves, eager to serve its loyal customers just like before. So, if you have been hearing rumors speculating the potential demise of Fairlife Milk, you should just discard them.
There hasn’t been any official stating that the company will be closing its doors soon. In fact, recent developments at Fairlife don’t signal a company that’s going to throw in the towel soon. So, ‘Is Fairlife Milk going out of business?’ The answer is no!
Where Did the Rumor Come From?
Now that you know that Fairlife Milk isn’t going out of business, the next question that will likely be on your mind is ‘where did the rumor came from?’
The rumors about Fairlife Milk’s potential closure originated following a distressing case of animal abuse in 2019. Undercover footage from Fair Oaks Farms, a Fairlife supplier, revealed unacceptable animal treatment, causing an uproar among consumers and retailers alike.
This incident led to a significant dent in Fairlife’s reputation, a lawsuit, and many customers migrating to competitors.
However, since this backlash, Fairlife has undertaken considerable restructuring, committing to ethical animal treatment. They’ve invested more than $8 million since 2015 in ensuring better welfare standards.
But with “ag-gag” laws preventing transparent verification processes, consumers are not so satisfied, as they await tangible proof of these improvements.
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What Caused the Recent Fairlife Milk Shortage?
Of course, if you are a fan of Fairlife Milk, you must have felt the impact of the recent shortage of the brand’s products in stores. So, what led to this unexpected shortage? Well, many factors were responsible for it. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Ethical Concerns
The animal abuse scandal took a toll on the company. The ethical concerns about the operations of Fairlife drove many consumers away, and many retailers also had to remove Fairlife products from shelves. This, of course, led to the scarcity of Fairlife Milk in many stores.
- Supply Chain Disruptions
Another important factor that contributed to the shortage was the recent pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic struck at the heart of global supply chains, disrupting dairy production and distribution. Fairlife Milk wasn’t spared, causing its noticeable absence from store shelves.
- Increased Competition
The dairy market is a battlefield. The rise of plant-based alternatives like almonds, oat milk, and soy has challenged traditional dairy companies, including Fairlife. So, if you noticed Fairlife Milk is not always as much as it used to be in your favorite stores, chances are that they have been replaced by rival brands or milk products.
- Affordability in Regular Purchase
We need to admit it: Fairlife’s advanced nutritional content comes at a higher price. This, hence, affects its competitive edge in terms of affordability. Since not many consumers can afford them, some stores are beginning to consider stocking up alternatives instead.
- Dairy Farming Challenges and Ingredient Shortages
Factors like erratic weather and scarcity of certain ingredients (think cocoa for that delicious chocolate milk) directly impact production. Since there weren’t enough ingredients on the ground, it became hard for the company to produce enough products for consumers, hence contributing to the recent shortage.
Why is Fairlife Milk So Popular?
Despite its challenges, why does Fairlife Milk still have a fan base? The secret lies in its composition: it boasts 50% more protein than regular milk, making it popular among health-conscious individuals.
Apart from that, it is also fortified with vital vitamins and minerals. It is low in sugar and has a creamy, indulgent texture. Who wouldn’t love to have a taste of such milk?
Not just that, Fairlife has also built a brand associated with quality and trust despite recent hurdles. People don’t just buy milk; they buy into Fairlife’s promise of a healthier product.
Did Coca-Cola Buy Fairlife Milk?
Yes, the soft drink giant Coca-Cola did buy Fairlife. Initially holding a minority stake through a joint venture, Coca-Cola acquired full ownership in 2020. Even amidst challenges, Fairlife touched $1 billion in annual retail sales, showing how much of a strong presence it has in the market.
Since the acquisition by Cocal-Cola, there have been a lot of developments at Fairlife. Even during the lawsuit for animal abuse, Coca-Cola had to join hands with others to pay $21 million to settle the lawsuit.
Final Note
So, is Fairlife Milk going out of business? The straightforward answer is no. Despite facing controversies and supply chain disruptions, Fairlife has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to bouncing back.
Its unique value proposition, focusing on health and nutritional benefits, keeps customers coming back. So, while the company is still struggling with some of these challenges, it doesn’t look like Fairlife is closing shop anytime soon. Instead, it’s learning, evolving, and continuing to serve its market.
FAQs
Why did people stop buying Fairlife?
Some people stopped buying Fairlife products after allegations of animal abuse surfaced at one of its supplier farms in 2019. The undercover footage showing the mistreatment of animals caused a significant backlash, prompting several retailers to pull Fairlife products from their shelves and some consumers to boycott the brand.
Why is Fairlife Milk so expensive?
Fairlife milk undergoes a unique filtration process that enhances its protein content and reduces its sugar levels, which is more labor-intensive and costly than the processing of regular milk. Apart from that, the milk is also ultra-pasteurized for a longer shelf life, and these added steps result in a higher price point compared to regular milk.
Is Fairlife Milk actually healthy?
Yes, Fairlife milk can be considered healthy for those who consume dairy. It contains more protein and calcium and less sugar than traditional milk due to its specialized filtration process.
Is Fairlife Milk owned by Coca-Cola?
Yes, Coca-Cola acquired the remaining stake in Fairlife in 2020, becoming its sole owner. The brand initially entered a joint venture with Coca-Cola and Select Milk Producers in 2012, with Coca-Cola initially owning a minority position.
Why is Fairlife out of stock in 2023?
As of 2023, Fairlife milk is not generally out of stock. Temporary shortages may occur due to supply chain disruptions, increased demand, or local distribution issues, but the product is broadly available through various retailers and online platforms.
What’s going on with Fairlife milk?
Fairlife milk continues to be available and in production as of 2023. The company has addressed past controversies and invested in animal welfare, and it maintains a variety of dairy-based products in its lineup.
Why does Walmart not have Fairlife milk?
Walmart might temporarily not have Fairlife milk due to local inventory fluctuations or supply chain disruptions affecting specific stores. However, this is not indicative of a broader issue with Fairlife’s availability.
Why is it now difficult to find Fairlife vanilla protein shakes?
The availability of the protein shakes can vary by location and retailer. If they’re out of stock in your local stores or usual online platforms, it could be due to temporary supply disruptions or high demand. You can check Fairlife’s website or other online retailers for availability or inquire at local stores about when they expect new stock.
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