The Florida Dairy Industry | Dairy Distributors in Miami

Although Florida is the third largest state by population, the majority of dairy products are imported from other regions of the country and the globe. The southern warm climate is not the most suitable for dairy cows. That’s why the Florida dairy sector accounts for about 1% of the country’s milk production. In comparison, the Wisconsin dairy industry accounts for roughly 14%. The state’s large population and the fact that it attracts multiple visitors and tourists are the reasons why there are many companies that specialize in dairy wholesale and distribution services.

In this article, we’ll share the main characteristics of the Florida dairy sector and some of the best wholesale dairy distributors in Miami and other metropolitan areas. This post is part of our series about wholesale businesses in Miami, FL. You can check our articles about seafood distributors in Miami or coffee roasters in Miami.

Key takeaway: There are hundreds of dairy farms across Florida. They produce high-quality milk that is then used to make various milk products or processed into cheeses, butter, and other dairy goods. There is a large demand for dairy goods in the metropolitan areas of Florida.

The Florida Dairy Industry

Florida’s dairy industry is not among the main sectors of the state’s economy. That’s because of various factors such as the climate and the soil. However, there are more than 125,000 dairy cows in Florida spread across multiple farms. They are primarily owned and operated by family-owned businesses of second and third-generation farmers. Florida dairy farms sell their milk either directly to dairy processing facilities or to intermediaries. Some businesses have also expanded their business to add more value and offer other products like cheeses, various types of yogurt, cream, and butter. An interesting fact about Florida’s dairy industry is that citrus pulp is one of the most popular feedstuffs. That’s because of the well-developed agricultural and citrus cultivation sectors. 

Products Sold by Florida Dairy Distributors

Dairy suppliers in Florida sell a variety of products. Some also offer other food categories bought by grocery and food service businesses such as different types of meat, eggs, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Here are some of the common types of dairy products offered by Florida dairy suppliers.

1. Milk, including plant-based milk varieties that have become increasingly popular in recent years;
2. Butter;
3. Cream;
4. Different types of cheeses, including imported cheeses from Europe;
5. Yogurt and dairy-free yogurt alternatives;
6. Ice cream.

Trends in the Florida Dairy Industry

As with any sector of the economy, the dairy industry is also changing. Sustainability is one of the main trends in the dairy sector, especially in states like California where water resources are scarce. Many Florida dairy farms have invested in responsible water management and recycling. 

Another trend in the dairy sector is that there’s a growing demand for two subcategories – organic and dairy-free products. In order to meet this demand, many small family-owned dairy farms aim to produce organic milk and dairy products. Dairy-free products are usually made of alternatives such as nuts (almond and cashew), legumes (soybeans), and fruits (coconut).

Top Dairy Distributors in Miami and the State of Florida

The Miami metropolitan area is among the largest in the country. That’s why there are multiple Florida dairy distributors that deliver products to grocery stores and restaurant businesses in Miami. Furthermore, most broadline distributors and some meat distributors in Miami also sell dairy products.

Sunny Florida Dairy

Cheese, eggs, butter, milk – these are just some of the categories of dairy products offered at wholesale prices by Sunny Florida Dairy. The company is widely recognized as one of the pioneers in the Florida dairy industry. They have over a dozen branches across the state and serve thousands of locations throughout Florida. 

Known for: Being one of the oldest companies in the Florida dairy niche market.

T. G. Lee Dairy

The company offers retailers and food service businesses a variety of dairy products including milk, cream, cultured products, butter, and eggs. T. G. Lee Dairy partners with other Florida dairy farms with the goal of being the reliable wholesale dairy distributor for businesses across the state.

Known for: The quality of its products and being one of the oldest dairy suppliers in Florida.

Southeast Milk

As the name of the company suggests they are primarily focused on the distribution of milk. Southeast Milk is proud of its commitment to animal care and cow comfort. In addition to their milk transportation and logistics services, they also assist dairy farms with the delivery of farm supplies and equipment. 

Known for: Being a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that provides various services to farms and helps farmers market their products.

Sunny Morning

With over 100 years of history, Sunny Morning is one of the pioneers in the Florida dairy industry. The company has more than 900 products in stock in categories such as milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. Sunny Morning is an Honor Foods Company and is part of its food service redistribution network. This gives them capability in other regions such as the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Sunny Morning Foods also offers private labeling services.

Known for: One of the oldest Florida dairy companies with a large distribution network and attention to the quality of their wholesale products.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Florida Dairy Industry

From valuable tips for restaurant managers to advice on how to increase wholesale sales, there are tons of useful information on our website. Below you can find answers to commonly asked questions about the Florida dairy industry.

What Is the Dairy Capital of Florida?

The top dairy-producing counties in Florida are Lafayette and Okeechobee. That’s why they are considered to be Florida’s dairy capitals. There are about 125,000 dairy cows in the state. One of the trends in the Florida dairy industry is to improve energy efficiency and reduce water waste. Farmers invest in innovations and tools that help them improve animal health and cow comfort as well as reduce their carbon footprint. Some dairy farms have integrated systems to convert manure into clean energy with the help of anaerobic digester systems.

What Other States Are Known for Their Dairy Industry?

California is the largest producer of milk and other dairy products. In addition to The Golden State, Wisconsin and Idaho are also known as major producers of dairy goods. There are multiple farms in upstate New York and a large number of dairy distributors in NYC. Although many people associate the dairy sector with dairy cows in farms, it also includes various processing subsectors, cooperatives, manufacturers of milking machines, and other equipment needed in the industry.

Are Dairy Businesses Profitable?

Yes. Starting a company in the dairy sector can be profitable. As dairy goods are among the food products with the highest demand, there are multiple opportunities for starting a business in this sector. Some businesses like Florida dairy distributors usually have lower profit margins compared to frozen yogurt shops, for example. As Miami is the southernmost metropolitan area in the country, the hot climate gives multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs to offer various cold dairy products.

BlueCart: Your Partner from Farm to Table

BlueCart’s solutions can help Florida dairy distributors and other business owners in their efforts to automate and modernize their companies. Our software is used by many wholesalers and businesses in the restaurant industry that wish to increase B2B sales or find suppliers in various fields. Schedule your free demo today and see for yourself why BlueCart is the all-in-one tool for food distributors in Miami and other regions of the country.