Neilson Dairy

Neilson half and half cream and eggnog

William Neilson Dairy Limited is a Canadian dairy company owned by Saputo Incorporated. Their products are sold at Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Giant Tiger and Fortinos. The company is based in Toronto, Ontario. In the USA, their products are sold under the name Neilson.

History

Founded by William Neilson (1844-1915) in 1893 as one of many independent dairy producers in Canada. Originally a milk retailer, Neilson switched to cream and ice cream products. His Neilson Dairy became William Neilson Limited in 1907. After the mid-20th Century, many smaller companies were overtaken by larger corporations. William Neilson was sold to George Weston Limited in 1947. Neilson Dairy is now part of the Saputo empire after George Weston Limited sold the dairy unit in 2008.

Retailers

Neilson brand products are replacing Saputo's Dairyland brand in Ontario

• Shoppers Drug Mart in Ontario
• Costco in Ontario
• Walmart in Ontario

Formerly, as part of the Weston empire, Neilson Dairy products are sold at Weston-related stores:

• Fortinos
• Real Canadian Superstore
• No Frills (grocery store)
• Loblaws
• Extra Foods

Other retailers selling Neilson products:

• T & T Supermarket
• Sobeys
• Giant Tiger
• Price Chopper (Canada)
• A & P

Products

A list of brands and products sold by Neilson Dairy past and present:

• Häagen-Dazs ice cream licence - Acquired in 1981, sold to Ault Foods in 1990.
• Cadbury Confectionery Company Canadian operations - Acquired in 1987, sold all confectionary and chocolate products back to British Cadbury in 1996. Currently licenses Caramilk and Crispy Crunch flavoured chocolate milk.
• Neilson dairy products including, milk, butter, ice cream and instant puddings.
• Chocolate bars and confectionery - Jersey Milk, Mr Big, Malted Milk, Crispy Crunch (of which the recipe was changed), Pep, Will-O-Pak sold back to British Cadbury in 1996. Jersey Milk and Will-O-Paks continue to have the Neilson brand name on them however, they are now manufactured by Cadbury Canada.

Operations

Neilson dairy operations past and present:

• Beachville, Ontario - former cheese operations (closed)
• Toronto, Ontario - formerly Donlands Dairy and Neilson-Cadbury candy factory - sold
• Guelph, Ontario - formerly Royal Dairy (closed)
• Ottawa, Ontario - formerly Clark Dairy
• Montreal, Quebec
• Georgetown, Ontario

External links

• Neilson Dairy
• [1]