The bankruptcy of New York City milk distributor Beyer Farms threatens to kick off a domino effect that could also topple Elmhurst Dairy, the only milk-processing plant left in New York City, according to executives. Elmhurst Vice President and General Manager Jay Valentine told The Post that Beyer’s collapse slashed 20 percent of his company’s revenue overnight.
Prior to Beyer's bankruptcy, Elmhurst was paid by Dean Foods to process thousands of gallons of Tuscan brand milk, which Beyer distributed to stores, schools and offices in the New York City area. When Beyer fell millions behind on payments to Dean, Dean began using a different distributor and also stopped shipping milk to Elmhurst for processing.Elmhurst, which employs about 500 workers, is a 90-year-old family-run business based in Jamaica, Queens. Beyer is practically next door.
Valentine is asking for the city’s help to keep Elmhurst afloat, including giving it an edge in local auctions for milk contracts as well as some marketing firepower.
This is not the first time Elmhurst has said it was in dire straits. Last year, the company said it was facing possible closure after the milk processing it did for Starbucks was shifted to Dean Foods. PD
—From The Post (Click here to read the full article.)
