Athens, Tenn. — As Mayfield Dairy celebrates its 100th year of operation, many
Mayfield Milk-lovers credit consistently fresh taste for the companys prolonged
success. But what those milk enthusiasts may not know is that the signature
flavor that has made Mayfield the regions number one milk brand is the result
of years of industry-leading innovation.
Its something most people probably dont think about when theyre enjoying a
glass of Mayfield milk,” said Mayfield President, Scottie Mayfield. ”But
theres a story behind what makes our milk taste so great.
That story traces its beginning to the 1955 International Dairy Show, where a
revolutionary new piece of equipment was introduced that would change the course
of the family-owned company. Then called a Vacreator, the machine used a
patented vacuum process to remove unwanted flavors from milk, for a more uniform
flavor.
Scotties father, C. Scott Mayfield and his brother Thomas B. Mayfield III
purchased the Vacreator, making Mayfield the first dairy in America to use one.
Now known as AroVac, the machine is still used at Mayfield, today.
”In East Tennessee, green onions are often consumed by cows, especially in the
springtime,” Mr. Mayfield said. ”So, as a result, before the AroVac, milk
sales would decline in the spring, because it would take on some of that
undesirable onion flavor.
”But with the AroVac,” he added, ”You dont get those outside factors
affecting the flavor of the milk. So each gallon of Mayfield milk, year round,
tastes great, every time.”
However, years later, it was another innovative idea that would become one of
the most recognizable icons of the Mayfield brand — the famous yellow jug.
First introduced in 1983, the Mayfield yellow jug was designed to do more than
stand out on the shelf. It also blocks out and reflects light that can be
harmful to milk.
”One of the biggest factors that can affect the taste of milk is exposure to
light,” Mr. Mayfield said. ”Whenever milk comes in contact with sunlight or
even fluorescent light like in a grocery store, its going to affect the
flavor.”
Studies also show that exposure to light can adversely affect the nutritional
value of milk, including loss of Vitamin A, Riboflavin and Vitamin C.
Now, when people see the yellow jug, they know that their Mayfield milk is
going to taste great from the first glass to the last, Mr. Mayfield said.
”Plus youre not losing any of the vitamins and minerals.”
About Mayfield Dairy Farms
Founded in 1910, Mayfield Dairy Farms offers a full line of milk, cultured and
ice cream products. Based in Athens, TN, the dairy serves nine Southeastern
states. Tours of the dairys plants in Athens, TN and Braselton, GA offer an
inside look into the history, production and great flavor of Mayfield products.
To learn more about Mayfield Dairy Farms, visit
www.mayfielddairy.com.
Source:
Mayfield Dairy Farms
