Horizon (Platinum Equity)

Summary

Horizon Family Brands is currently in the process of completing Cornucopia’s survey and our investigation is ongoing. Horizon Family Brands has their own branded organic milk (this listing) and a 100% grassfed product line which have separate listings.

It’s likely this brand’s score and the information we provide here along with their score will change once the investigation is complete. Check back soon!

In April 2024, Horizon Organic was acquired by Platinum Equity. Now this brand is owned under the Horizon Family Brands marketing. The brand focuses on producing premium organic dairy products.

Rubric	Points	Comments and Notes
TOTAL	0	in process
Possible score: 1100 (plus extra credit)
Transparency and Disclosure	0	More information pending completion of survey
Brands that rate highest have a close relationship to their milk suppliers. Those that buy milk from industrial or unknown organic suppliers rate lowest. Milk Supply and Ownership Structure	0	More information pending completion of survey
Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in the organic systems that benefit us all. Commitment to Organic Label	0	More information pending completion of survey
Pasture management refers to how outdoor areas are managed, with top-rated brands utilizing multiple strategies to maintain high quality pasture, providing environmental and animal welfare benefits. Pasture Management	0	More information pending completion of survey
The grass-fed percentage category reflects diet, with top-rated brands far exceeding the minimum requirements laid out in the organic pasture rule. Grass Fed Percentage	0	More information pending completion of survey
This category focuses on the sourcing of feed, supplements, and any added ingredients in the diet. The category also accounts for brands that source organic dairy from other operations. Top-rated brands produce all feed on farm or buy inputs locally. Supplemental Feed and Ingredients	0	More information pending completion of survey
Industry standard is to immediately remove calves from their mothers and individually house them. High scores in this area show that brand suppliers use group housing or otherwise promote calf socialization. Calves	0	More information pending completion of survey
High scoring brands milk only once or twice per day, allowing maximum time for cows to be outside exhibiting natural behaviors. Times Milked Per Day	0	More information pending completion of survey
Lower cull and death rates receive more points (with some exceptions), as it is one indicator of high animal welfare. Deaths & Culls	0	Unknown
Brands that closely monitor environmental factors, including soil and water quality, native species, and wildlife, receive the most points. Brands with specific policies and programs to boost environmental sustainability also receive high points. Environmental Impacts and Stewardship	0	Unknown
Brands with specific policies and practices to support animal welfare score best. Brands may lose points in this category if they have a history of animal welfare concerns. Animal Welfare	0	More information pending completion of survey
This category is non-scoring and provided for information. Organic Certifier (Informational)		Unknown
Third-party labels carried by individual brands or product lines are listed here for more information. These are not scored, but some third-party labels may receive extra credit. Add On Labels (Informational)		Unknown
Herd size refers to the number of adult cows in the milking herd. The general denotation for herd size (large, medium, and small) is based on the legal definition of “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation”. Herd Size(s) (Informational)		Mixed
Brands may receive extra credit for practices and polices not reflected in the scorecard (see notes for details). Extra Credit		None
The adjustment section is where any notes and adjustments to the score are indicated, such as penalties for non-compliances. Adjustments & Notes		More information pending completion of survey