EXHIBIT 99.1


APRIL 12, 2002

DEAN FOODS COMPANY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF HOWARD DEAN

Dallas, April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF), the
nation's leading dairy processor, announced today the retirement of Howard M.
Dean, Chairman of Dean Foods. Mr. Dean will retire on April 12, 2002 as both
Director and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dean Foods.

Mr. Dean has worked for Dean Foods Company for 37 years and served as President
from 1970 to 1988, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1988 through 2001.
Mr. Dean said, "I am looking forward to an active retirement, and I wish the new
Dean Foods Company success as it continues to grow and prosper as a major food
and beverage company."

Mr. Gregg Engles, current Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Dean Foods, will succeed Dean as Chairman. Mr. Engles remarked,
"We are very grateful for Howard Dean's leadership and assistance through the
closing of the merger of Dean Foods and Suiza Foods and through the critical
initial phase of the integration of our two great companies. Howard has led the
dairy industry through a period of tremendous change and has played a critical
role in changing the milk business for the better."

Dean Foods Company is one of the nation's leading food and beverage companies.
The company produces a full line of company-branded and private label dairy
products such as milk and milk-based beverages, ice cream, coffee creamers, half
and half, whipping cream, whipped toppings, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt,
dips, dressing and soy milk. The company is also a leading supplier of pickles
and other specialty food products, juice, juice drinks and water. The company
operates over 120 plants in 38 states and 3 countries, and employs more than
30,000 people.

     Contact:  Cory Olson
               Senior Vice President and Treasurer
               (214) 303-3645