The Founders and Early Partnership
Fairlife, LLC was officially founded in 2012 as a partnership between dairy cooperative Select Milk Producers and The Coca-Cola Company. The company's innovative ultra-filtration process was pioneered by Mike and Sue McCloskey, who were also founders of Select Milk Producers. This technology concentrates milk’s protein and calcium while reducing its natural sugar content and removing lactose, creating the unique nutritional profile that defines Fairlife products.
The initial distribution agreement was a key turning point, leveraging Coca-Cola's extensive Minute Maid system to bring Fairlife's products to a national audience. The original high-protein dairy shake, initially called Athletes HoneyMilk, was later rebranded as Core Power, signaling the brand's focus on the growing sports nutrition market.
The Road to Full Coca-Cola Ownership
For several years, Fairlife operated as a joint venture, with Coca-Cola holding a 42.5% minority stake and Select Milk Producers owning the majority. The arrangement allowed Fairlife to maintain its entrepreneurial spirit and dairy expertise while benefiting from Coca-Cola's massive distribution network and marketing power.
However, in January 2020, Coca-Cola announced it had acquired the remaining stake from Select Milk Producers, taking 100% ownership of Fairlife. While the financial terms were not fully disclosed at the time, Coca-Cola has since indicated significant investment, solidifying Fairlife as a key player in its growing portfolio of non-soda beverages. This move was driven by a broader strategy to diversify its offerings in response to consumer demand for healthier and more functional drinks. Fairlife's rapid growth, with retail sales exceeding $1 billion, made it a valuable asset for Coca-Cola's expansion plans.
Fairlife's Portfolio and Innovation
Under the full ownership of The Coca-Cola Company, Fairlife has continued to innovate and expand its product lines. The ultra-filtration technology remains a cornerstone of the brand, offering consumers products with more protein and less sugar than traditional dairy. The product portfolio includes:
- Fairlife® Ultra-Filtered Milk: Lactose-free milk with more protein and less sugar.
- Core Power® High Protein Shakes: A sports nutrition drink focused on post-workout recovery, offering high levels of protein.
- Fairlife® Nutrition Plan™: A line of nutrition shakes with 30 grams of protein and less sugar to support better health.
- Fairlife® Light Ice Cream: A lighter alternative to traditional ice cream with higher protein and lower sugar content.
- Fairlife Creamers: Coffee creamers featuring the same ultra-filtered milk base.
Major Controversies and Brand Response
Fairlife's journey has not been without controversy. In 2019, while still a joint venture, video footage emerged showing animal abuse at a supplier farm, Fair Oaks Farms. In response, both Fairlife and Coca-Cola took swift action, including suspending milk deliveries from the farm and settling a class-action lawsuit for $21 million in 2022. The company pledged to strengthen animal welfare standards and oversight across its supply chain.
However, new animal abuse allegations and environmental concerns resurfaced in 2025, involving different supplier dairies. These incidents prompted new lawsuits and investigations, with Fairlife again stating it would cease sourcing from the farms involved. Separately, a limited recall of some 8-ounce chocolate milk six-packs was issued in 2025 due to potential for spoilage, highlighting ongoing quality control challenges.
Comparison: Fairlife vs. Key Competitors
Fairlife faces strong competition in the protein shake and value-added dairy markets from both traditional dairy brands and new entrants. Here is a comparison of Fairlife's Core Power shakes with a major competitor, Premier Protein:
| Feature | Fairlife Core Power | Premier Protein (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Content | 26g or 42g per 14 oz serving | 30g per 11 oz serving |
| Calories | ~230-240 (42g) | 160 (30g) |
| Sugar | Low sugar (varies by product) | Low sugar (1g) |
| Packaging | High-quality, robust packaging | Can have occasional leaking issues |
| Consistency | Thicker, milk-like consistency | Runnier, varies by flavor |
| Taste Profile | Often praised for pure chocolate milk taste | More diverse flavor range, sometimes includes peanut butter |
What Does the Future Hold for Fairlife?
Under Coca-Cola's full ownership, Fairlife continues to be a growth engine for the beverage giant. Its ultra-filtration process and focus on functional dairy products have positioned it well in a market where consumers are increasingly looking for protein-rich, lower-sugar options.
In recent years, Coca-Cola has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to expand Fairlife's production capacity by building new manufacturing facilities, such as the one in Goodyear, Arizona, and another major project in New York. These investments underscore Coca-Cola's confidence in the brand's long-term success, despite the challenges it has faced with supply chain and animal welfare issues. As Fairlife expands its reach and production, its success will depend on its ability to meet surging demand while upholding the brand's promise of responsible sourcing and high-quality products.
Official Confirmation of Ownership
For an official statement regarding the 2020 acquisition, you can refer to The Coca-Cola Company's official announcement on its website, confirming its 100% ownership of Fairlife.
Conclusion
In summary, the popular Fairlife shakes are owned entirely by The Coca-Cola Company following its complete acquisition of the brand in January 2020. This move represented a strategic shift for Coca-Cola, cementing its presence in the lucrative value-added dairy market. While the brand continues to expand and innovate under its new parent company, it also faces ongoing pressure to address animal welfare concerns and maintain its high-quality product standards.
