Investment in Affiliates and Discontinued Operations

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2019

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment in Affiliates and Discontinued Operations

Investment in Affiliates and Discontinued Operations

Unconsolidated Affiliate and Related Party

Organic Valley Fresh Joint Venture — In the third quarter of 2017, we commenced the operations of our 50/50 strategic joint venture with Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (“CROPP”), an independent farmer cooperative that distributes organic milk and other organic dairy products under the Organic Valley^® brand. The joint venture, called Organic Valley Fresh, combines our processing plants and refrigerated DSD system with CROPP's portfolio of recognized brands and products, marketing expertise, and access to an organic milk supply from America's largest cooperative of organic dairy farmers to bring the Organic Valley^® brand to retailers. We and CROPP each made a capital contribution of $2.0 million to the joint venture during the third quarter of 2017.

We have concluded that Organic Valley Fresh is a variable interest entity, but we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the Organic Valley Fresh joint venture because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the joint venture; therefore, the financial results of the joint venture have not been consolidated in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We are accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting. Our equity in the earnings of the joint venture is included as a component of operating income as we have determined that the joint venture's operations are integral to, and an extension of, our business operations. Our equity in the earnings of the joint venture was $0.7 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $2.6 million and $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Controlling Interest in Consolidated Affiliate

Good Karma — On May 4, 2017, we acquired a non-controlling interest in, and entered into a distribution agreement with, Good Karma Foods, Inc. (“Good Karma”), the leading producer of flax-based beverage and yogurt products. This investment allows us to diversify our portfolio to include plant-based dairy alternatives and provides Good Karma the ability to more rapidly expand distribution across the U.S., as well as increase investments in brand building and product innovation.

On June 29, 2018, we increased our ownership interest in Good Karma to 67% with an additional investment of $15.0 million, resulting in control under acquisition method accounting. Good Karma’s results of operations have been consolidated in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.

Prior to the June 29, 2018 step-acquisition, we accounted for our investment in Good Karma under the equity method of accounting based upon our ability to exercise significant influence over the investee through our ownership interest and representation on Good Karma's board of directors. Our equity in the earnings of this investment was not material to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

On October 12, 2018, we made a capital contribution to Good Karma of $3 million. Our current ownership interest in Good Karma is 69%.

Discontinued Operations

During the second quarter of 2018, we recognized a net gain from discontinued operations of $1.9 million, net of tax, resulting from a tax refund received from the settlement of a state tax refund claim related to our 2013 sale of Morningstar Foods, LLC.