Organic Valley says sales up 8.5 percent in 2013

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- Organic Valley, the world's largest organic farmer cooperative, says sales increased 8.5 percent last year to nearly $930 million.

The company that produces organic milk, butter, produce and other products released the figures at its annual meeting Thursday in La Crosse.

More than 500 of Organic Valley's 1,844 farmer members are reportedly attending the multi-day meeting.

Sales vice president Eric Newman says Organic Valley accounts for about 50 percent of the organic milk sales in the United States and is the top-selling organic milk in China.

But milk sales overall are declining as more people turn to almond milk and other alternatives.

Newman says the company is seeing growth in other products, such as butter, cheese and vegetables.