USA: Dean Foods declares dividend payment

The Board of Directors of Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF), at its regularly scheduled Board Meeting held today, approved a quarterly dividend payment of 22.5 cents per share, which will be paid on December 14, 2001 to shareholders of record as of November 23, 2001. If the closing date for the merger with Suiza Foods Corporation is prior to November 23, 2001, the dividend will not be paid, as there will not be any shareholders of record on that date. If the closing date is on or after November 23, 2001, the dividend will be paid on December 14th.

September 27, 2001

If the closing date for the merger with Suiza Foods Corporation is prior to November 23, 2001, the dividend will not be paid, as there will not be any shareholders of record on that date. If the closing date is on or after November 23, 2001, the dividend will be paid on December 14th.

Dean Foods is one of the nation’s leading dairy processors and distributors producing a full line of branded and private label products, including fluid milk, ice cream and extended shelf life products, which are sold under the Dean’s and other strong regional brand names. Dean Foods is the industry leader in other food products including pickles, powdered non- dairy coffee creamers, aseptically packaged foodservice products, and refrigerated dips and salad dressings.