AUGUSTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hart Dairy, the ethically driven, largest single-source producer of 100% free-range, grass-fed milk in North America, announced a new investment from Next Gen Nutrition Investment Fund, LP (NGN) and the addition of James Cali and Andrew Towle, the firm’s general partners, as chief marketing advisers. In addition to NGN’s investment, the seasoned food and beverage executives will act as special advisers to Hart Dairy’s board to control multichannel marketing and innovation for the company during its continued expansion of better-for-you milk products. Hart Dairy milk is produced by happy cows that are never confined, environmentally sustainable, roam free-range and are grass-fed 365 days a year.
Cali and Towle launched NGN earlier this year to capitalize on high-growth, disruptive and early-stage food and beverage companies that offer superior nutrition with a reduced impact on the planet. Cali has a 34-year record of success in general management, sales and marketing, and innovation in leading food companies such as Cadbury, Kraft/Mondelez and Kellogg’s. Prior to entering venture capital two years ago, he led Kellogg’s global snacks category team. His past leadership roles included president of Cadbury Adams Japan, as well as executive vice president and global director of Cadbury’s $5 billion gum and candy business. Cali has a proven track record in launching new businesses, building brands and business turnarounds and has been responsible for billion-dollar global brands such as Trident Gum, Halls cough drops and Pringles.
Towle has spent his professional life creating value for some of the world’s best-known CPG companies, including Procter & Gamble, Heinz, Georgia-Pacific and Kellogg’s. He has led transformational growth on some of the most iconic international brands, including Tide, Pringles, Heinz Ketchup, Quilted Northern and Special K in North America and internationally. Towle also ran the Australia/New Zealand business for Kellogg’s from 2013 to 2015.
“We are delighted that both James and Andrew will join the Hart Dairy team as investors and strategic advisers. We will benefit from their partnership and longstanding industry expertise to strengthen our overall business as we further develop our brand positioning and messaging while we continue to expand our retail footprint,” said Tim Connell, chief executive officer for Hart Dairy. “Their 60 years of collective experience will be invaluable to our company and help us further attract world-class talent to our growing team, along with new business opportunities.”
“We believe strongly in the future of Hart Dairy,” said Cali. “Their 365-day grass-fed program and regenerative agriculture regimen improve milk’s nutrition and have a positive impact on the planet. These are strong consumer benefits, which we are proud to invest in.”
Towle added, “We have spent over a year getting to know Tim and his team. We are impressed with his vision for the company and believe we can help Hart Dairy reach its full potential through NGN’s investment and guidance to help them build strong branding, marketing and innovation into the future. The brand is a remarkable story, and we believe it will be a leader in ‘better for you’ dairy.”
Hart Dairy is proud to offer premium milk products while continuing the innovation of their forward-thinking and industry-leading animal welfare practices. This latest announcement comes on the heels of their recent partnership with Island Ventures, a top national supplier of specialty eggs, which supports logistics, supply chain management and innovation as Hart Dairy continues its expansion throughout the country and around the globe.
For more information on Hart Dairy, their happy cows and milk products, visit www.hartdairy.com.
About Hart Dairy
Hart Dairy has redefined the grass-fed dairy standard through its production of premium “Grass 365” dairy products, including fresh milk, yogurt, cheese and butter varieties. Located near Augusta, Georgia, Hart Dairy sits on more than 4,000 acres of pristine farmland and is the largest single-source producer of 100% free-range, grass-fed milk in North America. The farm boasts happy cows that roam free, are never confined and are grass-fed 365 days a year in a Certified Humane®, non-GMO environment. Under the direction of Dr. Richard Watson, a pioneer in world-class grazing and pasture-based techniques, Hart Dairy passionately combines animal welfare and better-for-you dairy products with truly free-range, grass-fed cows. For more information, visit www.hartdairy.com.
About Next Gen Nutrition Investment Fund, LP
The Next Gen Nutrition Investment Fund invests in early and growth-stage companies in the food and beverage sector, focusing on businesses offering superior nutrition and a reduced impact to the planet, including branded food and beverages, food tech and superior food ingredients. As former consumer product executives with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, the firm’s principals’ operational expertise will help these companies deliver superior business results and better returns for investors. For more information, please visit www.ngn-ip.com.
