DALLAS – Borden, a dairy brand since 1857, announced its return to Ohio after a 24-year absence in the market.
All of Borden’s classic white milks and flavored drinks are now available at retailers across the state. Other Borden products will be available later this year.
Borden was once headquartered in Columbus. Borden left the state after a change of ownership in 1995 and reappeared in Ohio schools this past year, nourishing students with more than 44 million servings of Borden milk. Although Borden products have not been sold in the area for more than two decades, results from a Cooper Roberts Research survey indicate that more than 80 percent of consumers are still aware of the Borden brand, company officials said.
As Borden reemerged with new leadership and an vision to bring its dairy products to more families, Ohio became an important part of the company’s expansion strategy.
“Ohio played a significant role in Borden’s history, so we are overjoyed to return and receive such incredible support from the community,” Chief Executive Officer Tony Sarsam said. “We look forward to winning Ohioans back with our tasty and wholesome products.”
Ohio residents are likely to recognize Borden’s Elsie the Cow. First introduced by Borden in 1936, Elsie was named one of the top 10 advertising icons of the 20th century by AdAge. Elsie, who also happens to have an updated look, can be seen across the company’s marketing channels and is now featured on product packaging in dairy aisles throughout Ohio and the southeastern U.S. Additionally, Ohioans will soon be able to spot Elsie on local television ads, truck wraps, in-store displays, mailed coupons and at events including the Ohio State Fair and the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.
Borden will operate out of two plants, located in Cleveland and Cincinnati, with approximately 350 Ohio-based employees. Borden products are being sold at Marc’s, Dave’s Markets, Hometown Markets, Simon’s Grocery, Apples, Circle K, Walgreens, CVS, Big Lots, Menards, CFM, Seven Eleven, True North, Pilot and hundreds of independent convenience stores and gas stations.
