FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Belinda Donovan
bdonovan@ethos-marketing.com
207-318-8026
Oakhurst and University of Maine Team Up to Launch Limited-Edition Black-Beary Flavored Whole Milk Celebrating Black Bear Pride
January 21, 2026 – Portland, Maine – Oakhurst Dairy is kicking off the New Year with a burst of Black Bear spirit, partnering with the University of Maine and UMaine Athletics to debut Black-Beary Flavored Whole Milk. It is a bright, bold blackberry whole milk inspired by one of Maine’s most iconic mascots. Crafted for Black Bear Nation, this limited-edition flavor blends Oakhurst’s rich and creamy whole milk with a fruity blackberry twist. The new Oakhurst Black-Beary Flavored Whole Milk will be available in pint and quart sizes from January through March 2026.
Inspired by the rugged beauty of Maine and the fierce loyalty of UMaine fans, Black-Beary Flavored Whole Milk continues Oakhurst’s tradition of developing innovative, fun, seasonal flavors that honor local partnerships and celebrate Maine culture. The packaging proudly features the official UMaine Black Bears logo, marking a new way to celebrate a longstanding partnership.
“This limited-edition flavor is an exciting new chapter in our longtime partnership with the University and UMaine Athletics,” said Mark Page, General Manager of Oakhurst Dairy. “We’ve supported the University for years—everything from providing milk and dairy products for students to fueling athletes with our chocolate milk—and Black-Beary is a fun way to share that connection with fans across Maine. Its rich, creamy texture and bold blackberry flavor make it a perfect treat for students, alumni, and families looking for something fresh and delicious as we head into the New Year.”
“Oakhurst’s commitment to UMaine Athletics shows up in tangible ways, from its involvement with our student athlete fueling station that helps keep them game ready to creating NIL opportunities for our student athletes and innovative ways to celebrate Black Bear pride through Oakhurst’s Black Beary milk,” said Laurie Lozier, General Manager of UMaine Athletic Sponsorships. “It’s a partnership rooted in community, care, and Maine pride.”
Black-Beary: What’s in a Name? A Fun Flavor With Trending Appeal
“Blackberries were selected as the hero flavor for their rising popularity among consumers seeking indulgent, fruit-forward treats—especially those reminiscent of ice cream and artisanal desserts,” Page added. “And of course, there’s no better fit for a UMaine partnership than a bold blackberry flavor that gives a playful wink to the Black Bears. As fruit-flavored whole milks continue trending nationwide, blackberry stands out as a ‘familiar yet adventurous’ choice that really taps into what Gen Z and Millennials are craving.”
Retail Availability
Oakhurst Black-Beary Flavored Whole Milk will be available in January at Hannaford, Market Basket, Walmart, and select local independent grocers. The limited-edition flavor will be sold through March 2026.
Events & Activations to Celebrate the UMaine Spirit
To celebrate the launch, Oakhurst and the University of Maine will host a series of community engagement events and fan experiences, including:
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Surprise-and-delight giveaways on Oakhurst social platforms from January through March
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On-campus sampling and couponing during Banana’s Birthday Party at the January 31 UMaine hockey game being played at Harold Alfond Sports Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. Various mascots including Oakie will be in attendance.
- Meet the Black Bears for an autograph signing! Join Kendall Sundby (Women’s Hockey) and Isaac Bonilla (Men’s Basketball) on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12–2 p.m. at Hannaford in Old Town (500 Stillwater Ave.).
“These events give us another opportunity to connect with the UMaine community and celebrate everything that makes Maine special,” concluded Page. “We’re proud to support Maine students, Maine sports, and the Maine families who have trusted Oakhurst for generations.”
About Oakhurst
Oakhurst is Northern New England’s leading dairy brand and has stood behind every glass of milk and product for 100 years. While the FDA states there is no significant difference between milk from cows treated with artificial growth hormone, Oakhurst made history in 2003 when it asked its milk producers to take America’s First Farmer’s Pledge not to use artificial growth hormone. Today, Oakhurst remains committed to the well-being of its community through its Giving Goodness charitable donations to local organizations that support healthy, active kids and a healthy environment. The company produces milk and other dairy and juice products from its headquarters on Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine. In January 2014, Oakhurst became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America, a dairy farmer-owned cooperative based in Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, visit oakhurstdairy.com.
About University of Maine
Maine Athletics is home to eight men’s programs and nine women’s programs. The Black Bears compete in three major conferences; America East, Hockey East, and the Coastal Athletic Association (football). In total, UMaine has won three National Championships and has more than 940 champions, including nearly 200 All-Americans and more than 550 all-conference performers. In addition, student-athletes have earned a 3.0 grade point average for nearly 20 straight years (40 semesters), dating back to the turn of the century. As the state’s only Division I program, Maine Athletics is committed to developing high-character champions filled with pride and integrity who are dedicated to excellence in the classroom and in competition. Maine Athletics strives to unite their community by mirroring the state’s deep-rooted commitment to perseverance, hard work and meaningful impact in all of its endeavors. By intentionally fostering a diverse, welcoming environment, Black Bear athletics is dedicated to equipping the next generation of leaders for success after sport.
