Founded during the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Anderson Erickson Dairy has become a beloved and enduring part of Iowa’s cultural and culinary identity. The company began as a home milk delivery service in Des Moines, established by Iver Erickson and Bill Anderson. By the late 1930s, Erickson had assumed sole ownership of the enterprise, guiding it through a period of steady growth and expansion throughout the mid-20th century.
By the 1950s, Anderson Erickson (A-E) Dairy had become a household name in Iowa, with its fleet of milkmen servicing approximately 150 routes across the state. In addition to milk, the company offered a variety of dairy products, solidifying its reputation for quality and consistency.
A milestone moment came on April 23, 1964, when A-E introduced its now-famous Party Dip at the Carlisle Super-Valu store. This product quickly became a staple at Iowa gatherings and remains a beloved item in the company’s lineup.
Two years later, in 1966, the company unveiled Annie the Cow—a 14-foot-tall, 2,500-pound fiberglass statue installed at A-E headquarters near the intersection of the Iowa State Fairgrounds and downtown Des Moines. The statue became a landmark in the city. In 1977, the dairy added a smaller companion statue, Eric the Calf.
During the late 20th century, Anderson Erickson expanded its reach beyond Iowa, distributing products in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, and Minnesota. Despite this regional growth, the company has remained family-owned and committed to its core values. One such tradition is the weekly taste test originally begun by Iver Erickson and now carried on by his granddaughter, Miriam Erickson Brown. This practice ensures the continued quality of A-E products, which have long been cherished at parties and gatherings across the state.
From humble beginnings to regional acclaim, Anderson Erickson Dairy stands as a testament to the enduring power of quality, tradition, and family in building a trusted local brand.
