A century and a half of fearless ideas, farms, families, and flavor. These are the pivotal chapters that define the Borden name.
Gail Borden files his patent for a new method to safely preserve milk, unlocking long-distance shipping and reliable nutrition.
The New York Condensed Milk Company opens in Wassaic, NY and supplies the Union Army during the Civil War.
Bottled freshness! The company pioneers the use of glass milk bottles to improve safety and quality.
New York Condensed Milk Company becomes Borden Company, celebrating Gail Borden’s legacy.
America meets its favorite spokescow. Elsie debuts and quickly becomes a symbol of joy, quality, and togetherness.
Elsie is officially trademarked, cementing her place in popular culture for generations.
Borden Chemical forms; Borden Inc. moves HQ to Columbus, OH and becomes first U.S. dairy to use the USDA Inspection Shield.
Borden becomes the world’s largest dairy operator by the late ’80s. In 1995, KKR acquires Borden Inc.
Grupo Lala acquires National Dairy LLC and reintroduces U.S. operations as Borden Dairy, honoring the original legacy.
Under Capitol Peak Partners, Borden Dairy—now headquartered in Dallas—operates 5 plants and 30 distribution centers, delighting families with 35+ products.
Gail Borden was more than a visionary inventor, he was a relentless problem solver determined to make fine food and beverage products accessible to everyone. After having the misfortune of witnessing children perish from spoiled milk aboard transatlantic voyages, he engineered the process that preserved milk safely without refrigeration,transforming how America nourished soldiers, families, and frontier communities.
His belief that goodness should travel sparked the New York Condensed Milk Company, inspired government food safety reforms, and set the stage for the modern dairy aisle. Today, every Borden innovation traces back to Gail’s mix of curiosity, compassion, and courage.
Condensed milk process approved, creating shelf-stable nourishment for the world.
Partnered with financier Jeremiah Milbank to open the Wassaic, NY plant supplying the Union Army.
Inspired quality standards that paved the way for Borden’s modern portfolio—from classic milk to joyful treats.
"The object is to make condensed milk as perfect as the fresh article, and to keep it so in all climates, and for an indefinite period."
She's not just a mascot - she's truly an American icon. Since being handpicked from 150 cows in 1936, Elsie has become one of the most recognized brand characters in history. She's starred in Hollywood films, helped fund the war effort, raised a family, and earned her spot as one of AdAge's Top 10 Advertising Icons of the 20th Century.
