SEATTLE — Farmer-owned dairy cooperative Darigold, Inc. took another step toward growing its business beyond its base in the Pacific Northwest, establishing a partnership with Midwest grocery retailer Meijer.

The dairy manufacturer said its Darigold FIT Milk will now be sold in more than 265 Meijer locations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Darigold shared that its FIT Milk – available in 2%, whole and chocolate varieties – contains 14 grams of protein per serving and 40% less sugar than traditional milk. The milk also is lactose-free, and the company said it is ultra-pasteurized to give it an extended shelf life that makes it “ideal for distribution” outside of its historical distribution area.

"All of Darigold's products are made with milk from cows raised on family-owned farms across the Northwest – a region that is ideally suited to producing high-quality dairy," Darigold business-to-consumer president Dan Hofmeister said. "With production innovations like ultra-pasteurization and ultra-filtration, we are positioned well to deliver Darigold value-added milk products nationally. We are thrilled to partner with Meijer to introduce the Darigold brand to dairy lovers throughout the Midwest."

As the company expands its retail footprint, it also sells its dairy products in the New York metropolitan area, as well as nationally through Amazon.

Northwest Dairy Association farms provide milk to Darigold, which has 11 production facilities in the region. Additionally, the company said it is close to completing a new production facility in Central Washington.

Darigold produces milk, cream, half and half, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, Belle brand coffee creamers, and private label products, as well as dairy ingredients for international customers in close to 30 countries.