Maine's Irresistible 2 Company Collaboration: Oakhurst Dairy and The Holy Donut

Imagine the heavenly fusion of creamy dairy goodness and the rich, luscious flavors of a gourmet donut. Oakhurst Dairy, headquartered in Portland, Maine, has been a household name since its inception in 1918, known for delivering dairy products and juices of the highest quality. The company’s commitment to excellence and their early focus on providing superior quality milk set them apart from the competition. In fact, Oakhurst was the first dairy in the United States to test its milk for tuberculin back in 1933.

As for The Holy Donut, they’ve been making waves in the culinary world with their mouthwatering donuts. With locations in Portland, Scarborough, and Arundel, they’ve become a cherished institution in Maine, especially their cult-favorite Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Donut, known for its perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors.

Now, Oakhurst Dairy and The Holy Donut have come together to create a limited edition flavored milk that pays homage to this iconic donut. Oakhurst Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Donut Flavored Whole Milk is the result of this delicious collaboration. This delectable beverage is set to grace the shelves of local grocery stores and The Holy Donut’s four locations until the end of March.

An Exciting Launch Event

But that’s not all; there’s a fantastic launch event planned for this exciting partnership. On Saturday, January 20th, head over to The Holy Donut on Route 1 in Scarborough for a public launch party like no other. You can indulge in a fun donut-on-a-string eating contest and be among the first to taste this extraordinary flavored milk. The festivities don’t stop there – expect games, prizes, and, of course, the opportunity to savor the delightful combination of milk and donuts. The event runs from 10 a.m. until noon, so mark your calendars and be there to join in the celebration.

A Glimpse into Oakhurst Dairy’s History

Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the history of Oakhurst Dairy. The company’s roots can be traced back to a dairy farm founded in 1902 by Arthur Leadbetter in Portland. It was later renamed Oakhurst in 1918. In 1921, Stanley Bennett, with the backing of local businessman Nathan Cushman, acquired the farm. At that time, Oakhurst used horse-drawn wagons to deliver milk along two routes. By 1923, they had expanded to twelve routes, and by 1929, there were 28 routes, including two dedicated to selling milk wholesale.

Oakhurst’s early years were marked by a strong focus on providing high-quality milk. They conducted frequent inspections of their farms and processing facilities to ensure the best possible product. In a pioneering move, Oakhurst started testing its milk for tuberculin in 1933, setting a standard for the industry.

As the years passed, Oakhurst expanded its wholesale milk business, supplying organizations like IGA, A&P, regional schools, and the Maine General Hospital. In 1941, the Bennett family gained complete control of Oakhurst, owning all the company’s stock. The 1954 expansion of their processing plant allowed them to produce up to 40,000 quarts of milk a day, a significant increase from their previous capacity.

In 1976, Oakhurst ceased home delivery of milk due to rising costs. They also made acquisitions during the 1970s and 80s, buying smaller dairies like Sanford Dairy. However, in 1988, they faced an antitrust lawsuit from Fitzpatrick Dairy, a smaller company, and were ordered to pay $1.9 million to the Fitzpatrick’s former owner in 1990.

A Legal Battle with Monsanto

In 2003, Oakhurst found itself in legal turmoil once again, this time with agribusiness giant Monsanto. The dispute revolved around Oakhurst’s milk carton label that claimed, “Our farmer’s pledge: no artificial hormones.” This statement referred to the use of bovine somatotropin (rBST), a hormone that increases milk production and is sold by Monsanto. Monsanto argued that the label implied that Oakhurst milk was superior to milk from cows treated with rBST, which negatively impacted their business.

The lawsuit ended in an out-of-court settlement, and Oakhurst agreed to add the word “used” at the end of the label, emphasizing that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found no major difference between milk from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows. It’s important to note that Oakhurst does not use rBST in its milk.

The Holy Donut’s Delectable Donuts

Now, let’s shine the spotlight on The Holy Donut. With locations in Brunswick, Portland, Scarborough, and Arundel, they have become synonymous with delectable, handcrafted donuts that are anything but ordinary. Their commitment to delivering the finest donuts has made them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

A Match Made in Culinary Heaven

In conclusion, the partnership between Oakhurst Dairy and The Holy Donut brings us the Oakhurst Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Donut Flavored Whole Milk, a limited edition treat that promises to be a culinary delight. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this extraordinary flavor fusion. Head to your local grocery store or visit one of The Holy Donut’s four locations to experience this delectable creation for yourself. Whether you’re a fan of Oakhurst’s commitment to quality or The Holy Donut’s mouthwatering donuts, this collaboration is a match made in culinary heaven.