Dean Foods to convert Schepps in Houston area

HOUSTON

Dean Foods Co. said Tuesday that it will start converting its Schepps dairy product line to the Oak Farms brand in the Houston area this month as it looks to broaden its business in the region.

The nation's biggest dairy company said it will rework Oak Farms' logo and packaging and roll out a new advertising campaign on March 15.

Dean Foods said the conversion will help it build on Oak Farms' strong brand presence in the area. Oak Farms makes up more than 75 percent of Dean Foods' branded white milk in South Texas.

Schepps and Oak Farms branded products are produced in the same plant, the company said, adding that the Schepps brand will still be available to some foodservice customers.

Last month Dean Foods said higher operating costs dragged down its fourth-quarter profit.

Shares of Dean Foods added 8 cents to $14.68 in midday trading.