Richard Harryman celebrated his 30th birthday on board the glittering “Birthday Bash Float” at the 31st annual Butter & Egg Days Parade. Harryman is a “huge fan of the Butter & Egg Days festival,” according to the float description, and so friends and family put together the float to celebrate Harryman’s birthday and that of his 1-year-old nephew, Owen. continuing reading…..

Petaluma, CA – Clover Stornetta Farms will give away its Clover Organic Farms Cream on Top yogurt at 31 Northern California Whole Foods locations throughout the month of May 2012.  During this event Clover, and Clover’s beloved mascot Clo the Cow, will give away a free 6oz. Clover Organic Farms Cream on Top Yogurt to any Whole Foods consumer.

Clover Organic Farms Cream On Top Yogurt is produced by culturing a mixture of fresh, organic milk from Clover’s local family farms, along with fresh organic fruit, sweeteners and the addition of vitamin A.  Clover Organic Farms Cream on Top Yogurt is a treat that feels decadent but is good for your body.

“Clover is a unique company in that we truly shape our business strategy based largely on consumer feedback.  We love to hear from our Clover fans, both praise and constructive criticism, and are grateful they reach out to us each day with their thoughts,” explains Marcus Benedetti, President and CEO of Clover Stornetta Farms.  “We wanted to thank our Clover consumers for all the support and creative ideas they have given us through the years and thought what better way to do this than offering free Cream on Top Yogurt.  We just hope to make people smile.”

Clover Stornetta Farms is a three-generation family-owned and operated dairy located in Petaluma, California.  Clover was the first dairy in the nation to be certified by the American Humane Association for its humane treatment of animals and was the first dairy West of the Mississippi to offer milk free of the growth hormone rBST.  Clover focuses strongly on sustainability and the humane treatment of animals so you can enjoy Clover dairy products in good conscience and good health.

STATEMENT FROM CDFA SECRETARY KAREN ROSS ON USDA ANNOUNCEMENT OF DETECTION OF BSE

SACRAMENTO, April 24, 2012 – CDFA Secretary Karen Ross issued this statement following the USDA’s announcement of the detection of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a California dairy cow:

“The detection of BSE shows that the surveillance program in place in California and around the country is working. Milk and beef remain safe to consume. The disease is not transmitted through milk. Because of the strength of the food protection system, the cow did not enter the food or feed supply. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent BSE from entering the food chain……..continuing reading

Jim Benefield came onto the Clover radar when in the 1970’s he became a partner in the Santa Rosa advertising agency we worked with.  My father had a long standing relationship with Lee Levinger, the agency’s founder, and together they conspired to create our beloved mascot, Clo the Cow.  The billboards Clover has become known for over the years were also an idea from the mind of Lee.

Clo was gaining some popularity in her billboard career in the early 1960’s, some cute puns and positive feedback from consumers, but it wasn’t until Jim Benefield stepped on the scene that Clo the Cow became a household name.  As I mentioned before, Jim had a great sense of humor; that wonderful, dry type that can unexpectedly send you into stitches of laughter.  Lucky for us, Jim was able to translate his humor into a few catchy words that lent themselves to illustrations.

When Jim joined Lee Levinger at the ad agency Clo billboards had been around for nearly 10 years, but the clever puns he created shot Clo into the next level of stardom.  His creativity never ceased to amaze us here at Clover and the public seemed to like it a lot, too.

Jim’s most important and least recognized quality is what every creative ad person should aspire to: the pride of ownership in Clo that was projected in his work, that nurturing, fatherly pride of a man that was driven to always protect and project that which he helped to bring to life.

I could go on about all the wonderful things Jim brought to our company, but I think it would be best for you to see for yourselves.  So, I invite you to raise a glass of milk to the memory of Jim Benefield.  Enjoy!

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Clover Stornetta Farms, one of the leading dairy brands in California, has partnered with Healthy Child Healthy World, a national nonprofit organization, to help inspire and empower parents to create healthier environments for children and families.

Petaluma, CA – Clover Stornetta Farms will partner with the nation’s leading environmental health nonprofit, Healthy Child Healthy World, to continue their efforts in creating safe, healthy environments for children and families.  Beginning in May the year-long campaign will coordinate Clover Stornetta Farms with Healthy Child Healthy World’s community of parents, bloggers and parent ambassadors to spread their message of safety and health, as well as participate in their 20^th Anniversary Healthy Child Home Party Kit.  Clover will also participate in the organization’s annual fundraising event scheduled for the fall.

Clover Stornetta Farms is a three-generation family-owned and operated dairy located in Petaluma, California.  Clover was the first dairy in the nation to be certified by the American Humane Association for its humane treatment of animals and was the first dairy West of the Mississippi to offer milk free of the growth hormone rBST.  Clover focuses strongly on sustainability and the humane treatment of animals so you can enjoy Clover dairy products in good conscience and good health.

“With all the effort we here at Clover put toward supporting the environment and creating safe, healthy products for children and families, this partnership just makes sense.  Healthy Child Healthy World is a cause we want to support in a big way,” said Marcus Benedetti, President and CEO of Clover Stornetta Farms.  “We are two organizations that are closely aligned in the desire to provide education and quality products to tomorrow’s future.  We couldn’t be happier to be working with Healthy Child Healthy World.”

“Today, many dairy cows are fed antibiotics and injected with growth hormones to keep them healthy, but the effect this has on the quality of their milk is a major concern,” says Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, executive director and CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World. “At Healthy Child, we encourage parents to choose organic milk when incorporating more organic foods into their life. We are proud to work with partners like Clover Stornetta Farms to offer families healthier, higher quality dairy products that give kids the nutrients, antioxidants and omega-3s they need to flourish.”

Healthy Child Healthy World was founded in 1991 by James and Nancy Chuda after their daughter Colette died from Wilm’s tumor — a rare form of non-hereditary cancer. Healthy Child is a national, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Healthy Child is governed by an outstanding volunteer Board of Directors, a distinguished group of advisors and is strengthened by community and corporate partners. Currently, Healthy Child is playing a leadership role in some of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21^st century.

Clover Stornetta Farms Exhibits at Natural Products Expo West

Feb. 28, 2012

Clover Stornetta Farms, one of the leading dairy brands in California, will exhibit at 2012 Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA.   Expo West is the leading food show in the organic, natural and healthy products industry.

Petaluma, CA – Clover Stornetta Farms will exhibit at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA March 9-12, 2012.  Clover will present and sample their new product, Organic Summer Strawberry Kefir at booth number 2112.  The new product will also be presented and sampled  at the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace in Anaheim, CA Thursday March 8, 2012, and   can be purchased throughout California starting March 1, 2012.

With origins dating back centuries, kefir is a cultured milk product which contains probiotics to help promote healthy digestion and strengthen the immune system.  A good source of protein and high in calcium, Clover Organic Summer Strawberry Kefir starts with milk from a select group of family farms in Sonoma and Marin Counties of California.  The milk is cultured and combined with ten traditional live and active cultures which provide beneficial probiotics.  The addition of strawberries, an excellent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C, make this a tasty, “healthy-for-your-body” beverage.

“We get a lot of positive feedback from consumers about our kefir,” said Marcus Benedetti, President and CEO of Clover Stornetta Farms. “Expo West is a huge opportunity for Clover Stonetta Farms to network with existing customers, make new connections and introduce new products year after year.  We look forward to feedback on our Organic Strawberry Kefir.  With all the food samples available at the show we think people will be grateful for one that promotes healthy digestion!”

Natural Products Expo West is the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry.  Over 3,000 exhibitors present to an estimated 58,000 industry professionals.   Clover Stornetta Farms will be exhibiting at booth number 2112.

Clover Stornetta Farms is a three-generation family-owned and operated dairy located in Petaluma, California.  Clover was the first dairy in the nation to be certified by the American Humane Association for its humane treatment of animals and was the first dairy West of the Mississippi to offer milk free of the growth hormone rBST.  Clover focuses strongly on sustainability and the humane treatment of animals so you can enjoy Clover dairy products in good conscience and good health.

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Here’s a quick political quiz for you:
Among the Secretaries of State of each state in the Union since the inception of theUnited States, who ranks first in length of continuous service?

That person would be Frank C. Jordan, Secretary of State of the State ofCalifornia. He served in that capacity from 1911 until he died in office on January 18, 1940, at 79 years of age.

Now what, you may ask, does this have to do with Clover Stornetta? Frank C. Jordan signed the first “Claim To Trade Mark” for Clover Brand Butter on June 23, 1916. Thus began the history of Clover Brand Dairy Products.

The first Clover Brand trade mark certificate issued for Clover Brand Butter only – June 23, 1916.

In the original document the trade mark was granted to the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery and described as: “ ‘Clover Brand Butter’ printed diagonally across a rectangle, with a cluster of clover, consisting of three leaves and three flowers, between the words ‘Clover’ and ‘Butter’ etc.”

Butter was the only product being produced for retail sale by the Creamery at that time. Over the next 14 years many other products were developed and produced bearing the Clover Brand label and it became necessary to apply for a more universal trademark.

The Clover Brand Products trade mark certificate – May 16, 1930

The old sign in the Lakeville office showing the old Clover Brand Products logo as described in the 1930 trade mark claim.

Which brings us back to Frank C. Jordan. Almost 14 years later, on May 16, 1930, Mr. Jordan assigned another “Claim To Trade Mark” for Clover Brand Products. Over the years the Clover brand evolved and changed until 1977 when Clover Stornetta was born. It actually took a year or two after the company started before the Clover Stornetta Farms brand was produced. We have had two or three redesigns since the original, but the basic logo has remained the same. We added the Clover Organic mark in 2005.

We also had some marks that were not as steadfast and long-lasting, such as the La Pureza brand in the 90’s and the Clover Farmstead mark that was introduced in 2007.

While the Clover brand has endured the test of time, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen the strength and the reach of the brand that Frank C. Jordan certified 96 years ago.

What changes will be made to our existing logos, or what new enduring marks might be added in the future and what impact they might have will be fun to see. We’ll keep you posted.

The Winter Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food event on the West Coast and 2012 marks its 37^th year.  Over 1,200 specialty food companies from all over the world gather for sampling, networking, and enjoying the unique culture of the food industry.

I often reflect on how fortunate I feel to work in an industry that revolves around one of my favorite past times: eating.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tapas, appetizers, cheese courses and desserts; Italian, American, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian and everything in between.  I love it all and feel very blessed this is the business I get to participate in each day.  It’s not only the eating aspect of food that I love, but the way it functions to bring families and communities together.

Those who work within the food industry understand what a special place it is.  We are creating, distributing and ultimately feeding and nurturing the people of our communities, our families and our world.  That being said, it can be a tough gig day in and day out so an event like the Winter Fancy Food Show allows us some time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Besides the fun of meeting others in the industry, including food celebrities like Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa and Duff Goldman of Ace of Cakes, we are invited to sample thousands of innovative, delicious new treats (myself and the Clover team often joke that we leave the show a few pounds heavier than when we entered it!).

The Winter Fancy Food Show also serves to remind us of why we joined this business in the first place.  This is an industry that promotes creativity, sound values, teamwork and environmental stewardship.      From the international pavilion to the local California area, we have the good fortune of trying some of the best food around.  This year we will be showcasing our new Clover Organic Strawberry Kefir.  Wish us (and our waistlines) luck!

Clover Stornetta Farms, one of the leading dairy brands in California, is proud to announce the addition of Organic Summer Strawberry to their popular Kefir line.

Petaluma, CA  January 9th, 2012

Clover Stornetta Farms announces its release of a new product, Organic Summer Strawberry Kefir.  Clover will present the product at the NASFT Winter Fancy Food Show January 15-17, 2012 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.  The product can be purchased throughout California and in select Nevada and Arizona locations starting March 1, 2012.

With origins dating back centuries, kefir is a cultured milk product which contains probiotics to help promote healthy digestion and strengthen the immune system.  As a good source of protein and high in calcium, Clover Organic Summer Strawberry Kefir starts with milk from a select group of family farms in Sonoma and Marin Counties of California.  The milk is cultured and combined with ten traditional live and active cultures which provide beneficial probiotics.  The addition of strawberries, an excellent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C, make this a tasty, “healthy-for-your-body” beverage.

“We get a lot of positive feedback from consumers about our kefir,” said Marcus Benedetti, President and CEO of Clover Stornetta Farms. “Kefir is an extremely healthy drink that has been around for centuries.  As a leading California dairy brand, we are proud to make it available to consumers today.”

The Winter Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food event on the West Coast and 2012 marks its 37^th year.  Over 1,200 specialty food companies from all over the world gather for sampling, networking, and enjoying the unique culture of the food industry.  Clover Stornetta Farms will be exhibiting in the North Hall at booth number 1484.

Clover Stornetta Farms is a three-generation family-owned and operated dairy located in Petaluma, California.  Clover was the first dairy in the nation to be certified by the American Humane Association for its humane treatment of animals and was the first dairy West of the Mississippi to offer milk free of the growth hormone rBST.  Clover focuses strongly on sustainability and the humane treatment of animals so you can enjoy Clover dairy products in good conscience and good health.

You can find this press release at the following media outlets:

San Francisco Chronicle/SF Gate

San Jose Mercury News

San Diego Union Tribune

Whenever the holidays roll around and we begin to bottle Clover Eggnog at our plant in Petaluma, CA, I’m reminded of a story that has become the stuff of legend among the Clover family.  This year it occurred to me that through this blog I am able to share this story with all of you.  I hope you enjoy!

Since the 1930’s, long before Clover Stornetta Farms emerged as a company, the Clover brand was produced at the Petaluma Co-Op, eventually under the supervision of my grandfather, Gene Benedetti.  In 1975 the Co-Op burned down and a group of partners, including a man named Al Stornetta of Stornetta Dairy, came together to create what is now Clover Stornetta Farms.

During the old days at Stornetta Dairy, Al Stornetta had a tradition every holiday season to mix up one 500 gallon batch of eggnog with a little something special added in – 30 gallons of whiskey from Vallergas Market in Napa.  This “Brandied Eggnog” was packaged in special cartons and given as gifts to customers, distribution managers and chefs.  This was a special tradition that was looked forward to by all.  When Clover brand became Clover Stornetta Farms in 1977 we decided to take the beloved Stornetta holiday tradition along with us into the new company.

For four years Clover Stornetta Farms carried out the Brandied Eggnog tradition smoothly; our customers loved the little treat we provided and it felt great to keep the custom going in our new company.  On the fifth year, 1981, we were confident we could discretely distribute our spiked eggnog gifts as we had in the years before.  And we thought we did.

Eggnog season is always a shockingly busy time for us.  This favorite holiday treat flies off the shelves at mind-warping speeds leaving many stores out of stock.  Such was the case at Vallergas Market #4 on Imola Ave. in Napa, CA.  Consumers scooped up the last of the Clover Eggnog.  In the back cooler was an unassuming case of Clover Eggnog quarts; the labels were a little different, but to the clerk who was working in the dairy case that day they looked like the perfect solution to the eggnog shortage.

In the meantime an emergency order for eggnog had been called into Clover and arrived at Vallergas #4.  When our Clover driver brought in the delivery he was shocked to see Brandied Eggnog on the shelf and quickly made the switch.  “Phew, that was a close one!” He thought to himself.

A couple of weeks later an elderly woman came into Vallergas #4 complaining about the Clover Eggnog she had purchased the day before.  She said it was not up to par, the Clover Eggnog she had purchased two weeks before in the slightly different package had been MUCH better.  She would like some more of that eggnog.

Well, we all like to look back on this story and smile.  Luckily the Brandied Eggnog only made it into the hands of one customer that year and she seemed to enjoy it.   Needless to say this was a little too close of a call for us and we decided 1981 would be the last year of our “special” batch of Clover Eggnog.  We now leave it up to you to add, or not add, whatever you like to this holiday treat.

Thanks for reading.  Happy holidays to you and your families!