Stonyfield, the US organic dairy business, is doubling its yogurt pouch production with a $7m expansion of its New Hampshire plant.

The company, owned by French dairy heavyweight Lactalis, is increasing the size of the facility by 17,000 sq ft and adding 46 million pouches to its production schedule annually. It is adding new pouch production lines as part of the expansion.

Stonyfield said the building redevelopment will be complete by the end of June and the new yogurt pouch line will be operational in October.

In a statement it said: “Over the last five years, Stonyfield Organic has seen double digit growth on its pouches due to several factors, including tremendous nationwide distribution growth - Stonyfield Organic yogurt pouches are now available in over 75% of grocery stores nationwide.  

"This expansion will support this increased retail distribution."

CEO Bill Cassidy added: “Stonyfield set the standard for organic yogurt pouches many years ago and they continue to be our most in demand product. This expansion will accelerate our production of our yogurt pouches and add 35% to our total pouch network to increase accessibility for our consumers."

Lactalis bought Stonyfield from French daairy peer Danone for $875m in 2017.

The President, Galbani and Parmalat brands owner had a €28.3bn ($30.35bn) turnover in 2022.