Dear Friends,
I wanted to take a moment to personally share some news with you.
After nearly three decades, I have decided to bring my tenure as Stonyfield’s President and CE-Yo to a close and I have hand-picked a wonderful guy to replace me in that role. I am pleased to share that Walt Freese, the former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, will be taking my place beginning on January 23rd. I will continue to serve as Stonyfield’s Chairman.
From the moment that we began this company in 1983, Stonyfield has been an extraordinary adventure. From those early days as an organic farming school to becoming the world’s leading organic yogurt company, I’ve learned a great deal from talking and listening to you—our yogurt-eating fans— and working alongside our passionate farmers and amazing Stonyfield staff. Together as farmers, yogurt makers and eaters, we’ve all shown what a dedicated, mission-driven community can do to improve health and positively impact our planet and I’m proud that work will continue. Now I am excited to bring the important lessons about the health and environmental successes we have achieved at Stonyfield to a wider national and international audience. There couldn’t be a more important moment to advocate for change in our food system.
Stonyfield is like a child to me, in fact Meg and I joked the other night that it is our first-born offspring. And as we have learned from raising our three little yogurt eaters from infants to young adults, it is truly possible to remain a nurturing parent even as the babies grow up. As Stonyfield’s Chairman, I will continue contributing to Stonyfield’s growth and mission for years to come. I will be highly involved with the company, speaking on Stonyfield’s behalf, maintaining oversight of our European organic sister companies, our new Stonyfield Cafés and our Profits-for-the-Planet program among other roles.
I will also focus a significant amount of attention on advancing Stonyfield’s broader mission and specifically advocating for change in national food and agricultural policies, especially seeking the labeling of GE foods.
I am thrilled to welcome Walt Freese as my successor. With a stellar track record at another values-driven company, Walt brings a perfect mix of experience, talents and passion for our mission. As Ben & Jerry’s CEO (Chief Euphoria Officer), Walt had first-hand experience leading B&J’s success while championing their social mission and interfacing with Unilever. Before Ben & Jerry’s, he was also President of Celestial Seasonings, so he has a strong foundation in the natural products world.
But beyond all of his accomplishments, I’ve found Walt to be a deeply good person with a big heart and a serious commitment to our organic mission. I could not be happier that Walt will be the next steward of this remarkable organic company we all love.
Over the years, I’ve been humbled by the passion, loyalty, and support Stonyfield has experienced from people everywhere. We have all built this company together – fans, farmers, employees – and as we enter this next chapter together, I believe that Stonyfield’s best adventures lie ahead.
With Hopes for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet,
Gary Hirshberg
If the below is true, I will no longer buy your products.
In the wake of a 12-year battle to keep Monsanto’s Genetically Engineered (GE) crops from
contaminating the nation’s 25,000 organic farms and ranches, America’s organic consumers
and producers are facing betrayal. A self-appointed cabal of the Organic Elite, spearheaded by
Whole Foods Market, Organic Valley, and Stonyfield Farm, has decided it’s time to surrender to
Monsanto. Top executives from these companies have publicly admitted that they no longer
oppose the mass commercialization of GE crops, such as Monsanto’s controversial Roundup
Ready alfalfa, and are prepared to sit down and cut a deal for “coexistence” with Monsanto and
USDA biotech cheerleader Tom Vilsack.
Hi Isabella –
It is not true. We have been fighting against Monsanto and GMOs for years and we’re actively continuing the fight today. The erroneous OCA article you refer to is from last year, and it is still as inaccurate and divisive this January as it was last January when it came out. It’s also the wrong thing to be focusing on at a time when so much good is happening.
Read more about what we’re actually up to and how you can join in us here: http://www.stonyfield.com/blog/2012/01/20/gmos-%E2%80%93-no-thank-you-the-battle-continues-and-we%E2%80%99re-fighting-on/
Best,
Amy
I’m glad that you made a choice for a new CEO. Can you all reassess your decision to allow Monsanto to allow Genetically Engineered food to contaminate our markets. Its been a long fight with a lot of dirty plays on Monsantos side but don’t give up the fight please, for all our sakes.
Hi Rebecca – We are opposed to the use of GMOs in our food and always have been. We have never sold out to Monsanto and we’re continuing to fight for our right to know what’s in our food today. Please read our recent blog post here: http://www.stonyfield.com/blog/2012/01/20/gmos-%e2%80%93-no-thank-you-the-battle-continues-and-we%e2%80%99re-fighting-on/
And join us in the fight by adding your name to the petition demanding that the FDA require labeling of food produced with GMOs: http://justlabelit.org/
You can rest assured that we have been fighting for years against Monsanto and we are far from giving up the fight. Best, Amy
I eat Stonyfield yogurt every day. I heard you on NPR a while back and was very impressed. I hope that in your retirement you will continue to herald the organic cause.
I am appalled that you WFM and Organic Valley just sold out and will not block GMO alfalfa from Monsanto from contaminating what is considered an Organic product. I personally will make every effort to promote the boycott of your product as I consider this company to be a sellout and to have very little integrity.
Hi Martha -
Stonyfield is absolutely and utterly opposed to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and always have been. In fact, GMOs are against certified organic regulations.
We have never “sold out” to Monsanto and have been fighting against them and GMOs for years, and we’re actively continuing the fight today. The erroneous OCA article you refer to is from last year, and it is still as inaccurate and divisive this January as it was last January when it came out. It’s also the wrong thing to be focusing on at a time when so much good is happening. Read more about what we’re actually up to and how you can join in us here: http://www.stonyfield.com/blog/2012/01/20/gmos-%E2%80%93-no-thank-you-the-battle-continues-and-we%E2%80%99re-fighting-on/
And to read more from our Gary from last January, visit here: http://www.stonyfield.com/blog/2011/01/29/the-organic-community-must-come-out-swinging-at-the-right-opponents/
Best,
Stonyfield Amy
Dear Mr. Ce Yo! I’ve been a consumer of your products for many years, and I can’t thank you enough for providing us with healthy ORGANIC dairy products! It’s so important that we’re not getting our dairy from cows that are pumped with steroids and all types of other harmful chemicals! I especially like that you have pioneered a model that other companies should live by! The world would be a much better place if we had more Stonyfields! I also LOVE the rewards program. I hope that the new Ce Yo keeps the momentum going and continues to grow and build-upon what you started. Best of luck to you & your family!
Gary, I just went on Stonyfield’s website for the first time…been a Stonyfield consumer for years…love the yogurt and milk!…I grew up in the 40′s and 50′s on a small, family farm in Maine and as a young girl practically lived on raw milk from our sweet and gentle, guernsey cow, Moo!…back in the ’70′s I owned and operated a health food store (had our own electric stone mill for grinding flour and cornmeal)…after years in the social service field, today I am a massage therapist…I know how important it is to love and nurture from the heart a growing business, maintain a keen vision, and know when it is time to step aside for others to manage day to day operations…I am glad that you will now have the time to devote to the next phase of your passion….both change and growth can be painful but the rewards are equally as sweet…congratulations to both you, Gary, as you venture forward and to Walt for arriving with such a strong background and appreciation “for all things (naturally) bright and beautiful!” …a perfect team!
Dear Gary, Thank you for all you do for the organic community. And right here in NH.
May you have much success and many blessing in your future adventure and endeavors. Thank you for being so diligent. I look forward to seeing your mark on the nation. 
I’m impressed, I have to say. Really not often do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you have got hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not sufficient persons are talking intelligently about. I’m very blissful that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing referring to this.
Jerry,
Best wishes with your transition. Thanks for bringing quality, affordable organic dairy products to mainstream America. Millions of Americans now have access to healthier foods and a greater awareness of the importance of supporting ethical, organically grown foods.
Congratulations! I’ve been a fan of you and your company for many years. When I bought a restaurant, some sixteen years ago, I did it with all passion and little common sense! I was so driven at organic, fresh and locally non processed foods that the rest didn’t really matter. The cafe grew, I later sold and have since been Exec. Chef at a Market. Though my customer base is much smaller than yours, the principal is the same. You’ve been one of my few Models in Business. And so, as was told to me; Change doesn’t come unless a change is made.
Go get ‘em!
Congratulations on all your invaluable accomplishments and hard work over the past 30 years, Gary! I so appreciate your passion for being a good steward of our wonderful planet. Your business ethics and values are the cream of the crop and it’s my hope that more and more companies follow in your footsteps. Wishing you every happiness as you begin your new journey!!!
Warmest regards,
Sarah Jane~ homebirth mama, happy wife, blissful yogurt eater!
How bittersweet…Congratulations are definitely in order…but you’ll be missed, surely! Just a moment to say thank you for what you have built…your work does make a difference in all of our lives.
Take care and wishing you the best!
Toni Snearly (Stonyfield Yo-Getter)
Gary, My gut feeling says congratulations are in order. You must feel confident in the state of the business you’ve built, to feel you can successfully pass on the day-to-day operations to your successor. This will free up your time to focus on broader issues and I’m sure there are many. As a participant in your annual entrepreneurial conference, I hope you remain a part of that for many years as it helps so much to hear your story & know that the journey to making your passion a reality, can succeed!
Gary, I’m very sorry to read that you are stepping down. I’d like to thank you for all that you have done for all us. Stonyfield is a wonderful company and I love the yogurt!! You have done a fantastic job and you will be greatly missed!! May God bless you and your family. Enjoy your new adventure. Welcome Mr. Freese, may your years at Stonyfield be enjoyable and productive!! Blessings….
Gary, Sorry to hear you are stepping down as well, I wish you and your family the best. Thank you for making such a great company that supports organics. I have much respect for you and companies like you that do this. Thanks for not being a sell out and giving our families something good over the years. I hope you will make sure that your successor will continue to abide by your strict guide lines that you have established because that is what makes your company and it’s brand so great! Best wishes!
While I am sorry to see you leave Stonyfield, your direction and leadership has made a successful template for Stonyfield to continue to thrive and other companies to begin to emulate. I also think that having transparency in food labeling is urgently important. That being said, I think you are well suited to make an impact there. Thank you for risking the change and being a true leader of change.
Sorry to see go, you have done a great job.
Congratulations and thanks for all you have done for the planet. Thanks for all the delicious, organic products that feed us. Continued success and best wishes!
I was startled, at first, when I read that you have a successor. But staying on as a team player, I can understand. You certainly look too young to actually ‘RETIRE’. I don’t usually have time to do a lot of communication. Busy, Busy 73 year old just starting out in business; but felt this is important enough to do so. The first and only time that I wrote you was probably before my ‘e-mail days’. In the early 90′s I had my first taste of your plain whole milk yogurt. I loved it so much; continued to love it. Tried other brands along the way. But early on became a ‘Stonyfield only’ eater. I wrote you a ‘paper’ letter. You actually answered me and sent me several coupons. I was impressed. My sister and I save the tubs for guest ‘take home’ after dinner parties. Everyone knows thay will be toting their left overs home in a Stonyfield yogurt container.B&J is a great ice cream. I actually recently saw a poll question on a Health Related tv show, and it was the top ice cream. I’m sure your company is in good hands.
Gary:
Thank you for your yogurt. Of all brands, it is the only flavored yogurt that I will eat. I’m glad to see that you will be keeping a hand in the food world. Each day we learn that our food is compromised by pesticides, microbes and genetic mutation beyond mere hybridization. In these days when our food and water supply systems are one disaster away from collapse, people are eating foods made from non-food ingredients, and children are suffering from obesity at ever younger ages, you must use your influence and advocacy to lead the fight for healthful real food as a right for all people.
Many thanks for all that you have already done. I look forward to Gary’s work to uphold the Stonyfield’s brand and mission.
Best,
Diane
I’m saddened to see anyone who’s done such a wonderful job. I cannot say enough about your product and to be honest I blog and “Tweet” often about your yogurt – in particular my major addiction to your Banilla!!!!! As long as your successor still remains dedicated to the product you have given us the pleasure of enjoying, without all the chemicals and all the taste we’re accustomed to! Coming from Ben & Jerry’s I know he must have the same values!
Best of luck in your future and welcome aboard to your successor!
Congratulations Gary. After thirty years you’ve earned a break. You and I met at the entrepreneurs conference in 2009. Your mantra “don’t ask, don’t get” pops into my head weekly as we still struggle for forward progress. I know you know what we’re going through. I wish you the ability to make the most of your upcoming free-time. Enjoy. – Dimitri
Gary: I’ve been a very loyal customer/follower of Stonyfield for many years. I was sad to read about your departure; however, I can imagine that time has come for you and your wife. Time passes, things change, people grow older.
You’ve done an excellent job in the creation of this “empire”. My hope is that your predecessor is as good. Best of luck to you and yours in future years.
PS I just made “Fudgy Chocolate Yogurt Brownies”….delicious. Love ALL Stonyfield yogurts!
Gary- on behalf of my son and I who share a moment every morning with ‘our’ yogurt, thank you. Please make sure you continue to impart this kind of goodness in whatever you do. Best of luck in your future endeavours.
Walt- anybody that has excelled with the title of “Chief Euphoria Officer” has my best wishes! I love it. good luck.
How soon will the GMOs be in Stoneyfield products? Or are they there now??
Hi again China –
GMOs are against certified organic regulations. Our farmer-partners continue to be vigilant on the farm to minimize the possibility of GMO contamination and we will continue to demand an honest process at USDA, but the way forward for contamination prevention is still a work in progress. We know that for consumers demanding the highest quality food products that are free from GMO contamination, organic remains the safest bet. And we’re working hard to ensure it stays that way.
Join us – visit http://justlabelit.org/ and tell the FDA that you believe you have the right to know what’s in your food.
Best, Jesse
Isn’t this just an easy way out after giving in to Monsanto and all they are doing to poison America? You should be ashamed of yourself!!!! How much did you get paid to sacrifice the health of America???
Karma will, in time, get you …
Hi China – We are opposed to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and always have been. We’ve been very actively fighting against Monsanto and GMOs for years, and the battle continues in the White House, in the halls of Congress, in the courts, and in the supermarket. In fact, advocating labeling of GMO foods is one of the things Gary will focus on. You can join him and all of us in raising your voice to demand the labeling of products produced with GMOs. Visit http://justlabelit.org/ and tell the FDA that you believe you have the right to know what’s in your food.
Also, we encourage you to read more from Gary on his January 29th Buzz Blog post about this issue, and the untrue and irresponsible accusations by the Organic Consumers Association: http://www.stonyfield.com/blog/2011/01/29/the-organic-community-must-come-out-swinging-at-the-right-opponents/
Best, Jesse
Gary I met you and Meg at the Inc 500 Conference in DC. ( I’m the one that gave you the hand silk screened box of silicone coasters )
( Laura S friend …she is one of my mentors )
I just wanted to say, you are so lucky to have achieved so much and to Meg’s credit and your beautiful family. It takes the whole family and then some to go through what you guys have gone through. I know. Your Company..your passion..your mission sometimes is larger than life. But at the end of the day..it’s your loved ones that keep you on your toes and happy everyday and none of it would mean anything without Meg and the Kids. Meg is an amazingly talented and beautiful woman. I wish you both a happy journey. I’m super excited for your life after SF. I know everyday business just gets old. Now you get to be an ambassador for the things that you want to be passionate about full force with lots of relaxation in between. Congratulations.
K@
I’m both happy & sad to read this. I know great things lay ahead for you and wish you & Meg all the very best. Good luck to Walt; he sounds like an ideal successor and exemplary choice. Thank you, truly, for all you have done and continue to do on behalf of the planet and each of us who call it home.
Thank you for creating a company with a heart — a model for others; thanks for providing us with a food so healthy and delicious; and thanks for your advocacy. All the best in the next chapter!
Gary, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re stepping down, but thank you for everything you’ve done to make Stonyfield the great company it is today. I’ve been in the environmental field for many years and remember seeing you ( a number of years ago) on a panel in NYC with Ben and Jerry and being so impressed with your vision. So many companies have been purchased by the “big guys” and all I can hope is that strict guidelines you established continue.
All the best to you always.