Mar 1, 2005 12:00 PM

Humboldt Creamery Association and WestFarm Foods have reached an agreement to sell WFF's ice cream business, including a license of the Darigold brand, to HCA.

HCA will acquire WFF's Los Angeles CA ice cream production plant. Certain ice cream equipment from WFF's Seattle WA plant, which produces milk, juice, and ice cream products, will be acquired. HCA plans to hire the Los Angeles workers.

With facilities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, WFF serves the Pacific Northwest market, including Alaska. It is the processing arm of Northwest Dairy Association, a cooperative of about 700 dairy farmers in the Northwest.

Founded in 1929, HCA is a cooperative owned by 62 Northern California dairy families. It produces a line of dairy products, including fluid milk, ice cream, and frozen novelties in conventional and organic form.