Colleges Are Getting a Plant-Based Upgrade with Califia Farms’ New and Innovative Dispenser Program
As demand grows for sustainable and delicious plant-based options across campuses and institutions, Califia Farms is stepping up in a big way. Following their acquisition of Uproot—a company known for its innovative plant milk dispensers—Califia is expanding its reach and impact in the away-from-home space.
We caught up with Halee Patel Newton, General Manager, Away from Home at Califia Farms, to learn more about the motivation behind this strategic move, how it supports Califia’s broader mission, and what’s next for the brand as it reimagines plant-based beverage service in educational institutions and beyond.
Q: What motivated Califia Farms to acquire Uproot, and how does this align with your broader goals in the plant-based beverage sector?
A: Califia Farms is passionate about bringing the goodness of plants to all. We admired the work of Uproot from a distance and were impressed by their growth since 2019. The opportunity arose to work with them in an innovative way, and we knew it was the right moment for us. The Califia Dispenser Program expands our foundation, allowing us to connect with consumers in new spaces and further build our mission a future where plants replace dairy without compromise.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the rebrand from Uproot Dispenser Program to the Califia Dispenser Program and the message you hope consumers will take away from it?
A: We want the rebrand to feel very ownable to Califia – highlighting our signature Carafe, as well as our core colorways and bottle graphics. The goal is to create more brand recognition at the point of interaction as most consumers have probably only seen us in our bottle in retail or our barista blends in their favorite coffee shops! Our dream would be for consumers to feel excited to see a Califia dispenser because they know it’s a brand they love, trust, and truly enjoy.
RIGHT: Califia Farms dispenser containing Original Oatmilk, Chocolate Peamilk, and Original Soymilk
Q: Califia’s dispensers are designed to reduce packaging waste. How has this acquisition enhanced sustainability initiatives, particularly in minimizing single-use packaging?
A: The Califia Dispenser Program seamlessly integrates into our current commitments to plant a healthier future. Our machine is easy to set up and convenient to use. It also allows students to come back for a second serving of their favorite milk without wasting extra cartons! Additionally, we are providing solutions for locations, like NYU, who have a strong environmental commitment of their own. For example, NYU recently announced its commitment to NYC’s Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, pledging to reduce food-based emissions by 25% by 2030. The Califia Dispenser will be in multiple dining halls to support this goal, increasing plant-based options for each student.
Q: Given previous success in college campuses, how does Califia plan to support and expand plant-based options in educational institutions?
A: Califia’s Dispenser Program will continue working with colleges and universities, as mentioned above with NYU. We look forward to expanding this footprint through continued conversations at educational institutions, as well as with food service partners across the country.
With the recent legislation by the US Senate Agricultural Committee amending the National School Lunch Program to authorize plant milks being served in schools, we see this as a big opportunity to expand outside of just Colleges & Universities to offer nutritional alternatives to the almost 30% of students who do not drink the dairy milk (Source). We will continue to work with great college partners, as mentioned with NYU, while also expanding our footprint through continued conversation at other educational institutions, as well as with food service distribution partners across the country. Our goal is to be the brand of choice for operators and consumers by providing the best solutions, service, and quality product on the market.
Q: Has the process of integrating your plant-based milks with Uproot’s dispensing technology pushed your team to innovate at all on your current product line?
A: Califia’s R&D team is best-in-class, ensuring all our plant milks are made with the highest quality ingredients. While formulating for the dispenser was a new format for us, Uproot had provided us with a strong foundation of great-tasting, nutritious plant milks to build from. Our team met the challenge head on with the goal of maintaining the taste and quality consumers love from Califia, without disrupting the dispenser experience. We are proud to be delivering the same irresistibly good plant-based options this Fall: Chocolate Peamilk, Original Soymilk (previously available via Uproot), and Original Oatmilk.
Q: What are Califia's long-term goals for serving plant-based beverages in foodservice environments? Are you looking to expand beyond educational institutions?
A: A future powered by plants benefits all of us, from the environment to how we function and feel in our bodies! Califia is determined to share this mission with as many individuals as possible by continuing to provide products that are. The dispenser program is a convenient alternative that can provide operators with ease of service solutions as well as waste management solutions, all while offering variety. We’ll continue to speak with and work alongside educational institutions but we feel that Califia’s Dispenser program has a home in other areas so we would like to expand into hospitals, hotels, stadiums, and other venues looking for a premium plant-based option.
Q: How/where can colleges and universities connect with the Califia/Uproot team to integrate plant-based dispensers into their cafeterias and dining halls?
A: Califia believes in the success of the dispenser business and has a dedicated sales team here to assist. If interested in getting a dispenser, please visit https://www.califiafarms.com/dispensers or email dispensers@califiafarms.com! Our team is excited to chat with you.