Tulsa, OK — November 11, 2002 — “Oklahoma proud” is the best way to describe Borden Dairy these days. Oklahoma state dignitaries proclaimed milk the official beverage of Oklahoma on November 1, 2002 at a special ceremony held at the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City. The idea was the brainchild of 11-year old Daniel Howard from Guthrie, Oklahoma, who noticed that there was no state beverage and became determined to change that. Howard, the son of State Commissioner of Agriculture Dennis Howard, wrote letters to state senators and spoke before a legislature committee to encourage them to support the bill.

“For over 80 years, Borden Dairy has been committed to promoting strong milk messages in our community,” says George Streetman, General Manager, Borden Dairy. “We could not have been more proud to hear that milk has become the official beverage of our state.”

“Milk is the perfect beverage containing nine essential nutrients for building strong bones and healthy lifestyles and Borden Dairy has always been very proud to provide the families of Oklahoma with a complete line of nutritious dairy products,” said Joan Farmer, Borden’s General Sales Manager.

Borden Dairy will launch its 2002-2003 advertising and public relations campaign with the new creative message “Oklahoma proud” to celebrate the new proclamation. The new campaign will focus primarily on sixty-second radio and full page, four color, Free Standing Inserts (FSIs) in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and greater area newspapers. The long-time, hometown Dairy will also participate in numerous promotional and charitable events. The expected launch of the full campaign will be in the fourth quarter of 2002.

About Borden Dairy:

Borden Dairy, Oklahoma is a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company (www.deanfoods.com) (NYSE:DF), one of the nation’s leading food and beverage companies. The company produces a full line of company-branded and private label dairy and dairy-related products. Founded in 1937, Borden Dairy manufactures a full line of full flavor and low fat dairy products under it’s Borden® and Borden Viva® lines, including whole milk, 2% milk, cottage cheese and sour cream. Borden Dairy and its 200+ employees proudly provide the freshest, quality dairy products to the families of Oklahoma 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about Borden Dairy and Borden Dairy products contact (800) 733-2230.

Contact: Susan D. Meadows
(214) 818-3416
susan_meadows@deanfoods.com