Carnation used this slogan for decades, and it spawned a radio variety program entitled 'The Contented Hour,' which featured entertainers such as Dinah Shore, Jane Powell and Burns and Allen.

This slogan referred to the higher quality milk from happy cows grazing in the lush Pacific Northwest. In 1907, the promotional phrase 'Carnation Condensed Milk, the milk from contented cows' was introduced. The town of Tolt, Washington, was later renamed Carnation, after the nearby breeding and research farms. One cow in particular, Segis Pietertje Prospect, produced 37,381 pints of milk during 1920, and a statue of the cow was erected to honour this record.

Carnation cows held the world milk production record for 32 consecutive years. Eventually, Stuart established a breeding farm, named Carnation Farm, where the application of new principles of husbandry continually improved the productivity of the herd. One of the most important things Stuart had learned on his father's farm was that high-quality milk came from healthy cows so to ensure premium standards, he distributed pure bred bulls to the farmers supplying the factory, whose offspring were selected for milk productivity. His own firm subsequently adopted the name Carnation Evaporated Milk Company. Passing a tobacconist's window in downtown Seattle, Stuart saw a display of cigars around a sign with the name: Carnation. As sales gradually grew, Stuart sought a brand name for the product. In 1901, his partner sold out, leaving Stuart the company and $105,000 of debt ($3,693,480 in 2022 dollars ). Stuart believed that there was value in sanitary milk at a time when fresh milk was neither universally available nor always drinkable, and correctly believed that his product would join other staples on grocers' shelves. Its product was based on the relatively new process of commercial evaporation of beverages. On 6 September 1899, Stuart and a business partner founded the Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company in Kent, Washington, and he became its first president (a post he held until 1932, then serving as chairman from 1932 to 1944). Carnation diversified its product portfolio after the 1950s and was acquired by Nestlé in 1984 for $3 billion ($8,450,352,338 in 2022 dollars ).Įlbridge Amos Stuart (born 10 September 1856 in Guilford County, North Carolina died 14 January 1944 in Los Angeles, California) was an American milk industrialist and creator of Carnation evaporated milk and its famous slogan, that it came from 'Contented Cows'. History Newspaper ad for Carnation Evaporated Milk, 1921Ĭarnation was founded as an evaporated milk company, but demand decreased with the increasing availability of home refrigeration throughout the 20th century. Nestlé acquired the Carnation Company in 1985.

The brand has since been used for other related products including milk-flavoring mixes, flavored beverages, flavor syrups, hot cocoa mixes, instant breakfasts, corn flakes, ice cream novelties, and dog food. The brand was especially known for its evaporated milk product created in 1899, then called Carnation Sterilized Cream and later called Carnation Evaporated Milk. ( F&N in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand)Ĭarnation is a brand of food products. Brand of evaporated milk and other products

Canned milk