HORIZON ORGANIC HOLDING CORP
EXHIBIT 10.24
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<TYPE>EX-10.24
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<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.24
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<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_exhibit_10.24"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 10.24    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_horizon_organic_holding__ke202407"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>HORIZON ORGANIC HOLDING CORPORATION<BR>  RETENTION BONUS PLAN    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_i_establishment_of_plan"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE I<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of the Effective Date, the Company (as such term is hereinafter defined) hereby establishes the Horizon Organic Holding Corporation Retention Bonus Plan, as
set forth in this document. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_ii_purpose"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE II<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>PURPOSE    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Horizon Organic Holding Corporation, by means of this Retention Bonus Plan, desires to retain certain key individuals as employees of the Company and its
Affiliates (as both terms are hereinafter defined) and to provide such individuals with additional incentives to achieve and promote the success of the Company (as such term is hereinafter defined) in
the event of a Change in Control (as such term is hereinafter defined). </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_iii_definitions"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE III<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>DEFINITIONS    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As used herein, the following words and phrases shall have meanings set forth below (unless the context clearly indicates otherwise): </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Affiliate</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean an entity directly or indirectly controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the
Company. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Base Salary</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the amount a Participant is entitled to receive from an Employer in cash as wages or salary on
an annualized basis in consideration for his or her services, including any such amounts which may have been deferred, but excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any
bonus, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites, and incentive compensation. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Beneficiary</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;with
respect to a Participant who was married at the time of death, his or her surviving spouse; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;with
respect to a Participant who was not married at the time of death, the legal representative of the Participant's estate under the laws of the state of the
Participant's domicile at the time of death. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Cause</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean, with respect to a Participant's termination of employment and in the reasonable judgment of the
Company: (a)&nbsp;the Participant has committed any material act of embezzlement, fraud, and/or is convicted of a felony; (b)&nbsp;the Participant in any material respect, breaches his or her
obligations under any employment related agreement between the Participant and the Company; or (c)&nbsp;the Participant causes material damage to the Company through intentional misconduct or gross
neglect of the duties customary to his or her office. No activities or inactivities covered by items (b)&nbsp;and (c)&nbsp;will be deemed to be "Cause" unless the Company has notified the
Participant of such activity or inactivity in writing and the Participant has failed to cure the same within 30&nbsp;days of the notification.
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2116344",CP="HORIZON ORGANIC HOLDING CORP",DN="3",CHK=748872,FOLIO='1',FILE='DISK035:[03DEN8.03DEN2178]KE2178A.;8',USER='DTAYLOR',CD='12-AUG-2003;19:36' -->
<A NAME="page_ke2178_1_2"> </A></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Change in Control</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events in connection with implementation of the
Company's current exploration of strategic alternatives: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a
merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of
common stock of the Company outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash, or otherwise (other than
(i)&nbsp;a merger or consolidation in which stockholders immediately before the merger or consolidation have, immediately after the merger or consolidation, greater stock voting power of the
acquiring or controlling corporation, and in no event less than a majority of such stock voting power, (ii)&nbsp;a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change the state of the Company's
incorporation, or (iii)&nbsp;a merger of the Company into any of its wholly owned subsidiaries); or </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;an
acquisition by any person, entity, or group within the meaning of Section&nbsp;13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") or
any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or an Affiliate) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule&nbsp;13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote in
the election of directors. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Change in Control Date</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the date on which a Change in Control occurs. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Committee</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Company</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean Horizon Organic Holding Corporation and any successor thereto. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Disability</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean, with respect to a Participant's termination of employment due to Disability: (a)&nbsp;a
disability entitling the Participant to long-term disability benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or an Affiliate or such other
long-term disability plan under which the Participant is entitled to long-term disability benefits; or (b)&nbsp;if the Participant is not covered by such a plan, a physical
or mental condition or illness that renders a Participant totally and permanently incapable of performing the Participant's duties for the Company or an Affiliate for a total of 180&nbsp;days or
more during any consecutive 12-month period. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.10&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Effective Date</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean June&nbsp;10, 2003. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.11&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Employee</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean any employee of an Employer. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.12&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Employer</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the Company or any of its Affiliates. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.13&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Good Reason</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean, with respect to any Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change
in Control Date, or prior to a Change in Control Date if any such events can be reasonably demonstrated to have occurred in connection with, or in anticipation of, a Change in Control: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;any
reduction in the Participant's annual or incentive pay or benefits in effect from time to time which is not part of an overall cost reduction or savings plan
applicable to all similarly situated Participants of the Company; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;any
significant reduction in the nature or status of the Participant's duties or responsibilities; or </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a
transfer of the Participant's principal place of employment to a metropolitan area other than that of the Participant's employment immediately prior to the Change in
Control without the Participant's consent.
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<A NAME="page_ke2178_1_3"> </A></FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.14&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Month's Pay</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the
sum of the Participant's Required Base Salary, then: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;divided
by 12. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.15&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Participant</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean an Employee who is designated in Appendix&nbsp;A hereto to participate in the Plan or who may
be added to such appendix from time to time by the Committee. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.16&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Participation Date</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the date a particular Participant is designated to be a Participant, as specified in
such Participant's Retention Bonus Award Letter. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.17&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Plan</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the Horizon Organic Holding Corporation Retention Bonus Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.18&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Required Base Salary</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean, with respect to any Participant, the higher of: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the
Participant's highest Base Salary as in effect during the 120-day period prior to the Change in Control Date; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the
Participant's highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.19&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Retention Bonus</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the payment provided to a Participant in accordance with Article&nbsp;VI of the Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.20&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Retention Bonus Amount</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean an amount equal to no less than three Months' Pay and no more than six Months' Pay,
as determined by the Company's successor in its sole discretion. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.21.&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Retention Bonus Award Letter</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the award letter presented by the Company to a Participant relating to an
award under the Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.22&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Retention Date</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the date four months following the Change in Control Date. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.23&nbsp;"</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>Retention Period</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>" shall mean the period beginning on a particular Participant's Participation Date and ending on the
Retention Date. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_iv_administration"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE IV<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>ADMINISTRATION    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to
interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to it, and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The
determinations of the Committee pursuant to its authority under the Plan shall be conclusive and binding. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_v_duration_of_participation"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE V<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>DURATION OF PARTICIPATION    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duration of Participation.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Participant who is entitled to payment of a Retention Bonus under
Article&nbsp;VI shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the full amount of his or her Retention Bonus payable under the Plan has been paid. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_vi_retention_bonuses"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE VI<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>RETENTION BONUSES    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amount and Payment of Retention Bonuses.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a Participant was continually employed by an Employer during
such Participant's Retention Period, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or in the event of the Participant's death, his or her Beneficiary) on the Retention Date a lump sum amount in cash
equal to the Participant's Retention Bonus Amount.
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<A NAME="page_ke2178_1_4"> </A></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certain Employment Terminations.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a Change in Control occurs and a Participant's employment with an
Employer terminates by the Employer other than for Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason (within 90&nbsp;days after the occurrence of an event constituting Good Reason) at any time after a
Change in Control Date, or prior to a Change in Control if such termination can be reasonably demonstrated to have occurred in connection with, or in anticipation of, a Change in Control, but prior to
a payment of cash pursuant to Section&nbsp;6.1 and the Participant was continually employed by an Employer during such period, the Company shall pay to such Participant (or in the event of the
Participant's death, his or her Beneficiary), in lieu of any payment of cash pursuant to Section&nbsp;6.1, a lump sum amount in cash
equal to the amount under Section&nbsp;6.1 no later than 10&nbsp;days after such date of termination of employment. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Benefits Payable.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Retention Bonus provided pursuant to Section&nbsp;6.1 above shall be provided
in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options, or other benefits which may be owed to a Participant by an Employer. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.4</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment Obligations Absolute.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The obligations of the Company to pay the Retention Bonus described in this
Article&nbsp;VI shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or
other right which the Company or any Affiliate may have against any Participant. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_vii_successor_to_company"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE VII<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Plan shall bind any successor of the Company, its assets, or its businesses (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise),
in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under this Plan if no succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction in which a successor would not, by the
foregoing provision or by operation of law, be bound by this Plan, the Company shall require such successor expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligations under
this Plan, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. The term "Company," as used in this Plan, shall mean the
Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which by reason hereof becomes bound by this Plan. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_viii_duration,_amendment,_and_termination"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_10"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE VIII<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>DURATION, AMENDMENT, AND TERMINATION    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duration.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to Section&nbsp;8.2 below, this Plan shall continue in full force and effect and shall
not terminate or expire until such time that all Participants who become entitled to any payments hereunder shall have received such payments in full. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amendment and Termination.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Plan shall be subject to amendment, change, substitution, deletion,
revocation, or termination in any respect by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following a Change in Control or within 12&nbsp;months prior to a
Change in
Control, the Plan, except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law, shall not be subject to amendment, change, substitution, deletion, revocation, or termination in any respect which
adversely affects the rights of a Participant without such Participant's consent (or in the case of a Participant's death, the consent of such Participant's Beneficiary). </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Form of Amendment.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The form of any amendment or termination of the Plan shall be a written instrument signed
by a duly authorized officer or officers of the Company, certifying that the amendment or termination has been approved by the Committee. An amendment of the Plan in accordance with the terms hereof
shall automatically effect a corresponding amendment to all Participants' rights hereunder. A termination of the Plan, subject to the terms hereof, shall automatically effect a termination of all
Participants' rights and benefits hereunder.
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<A NAME="page_ke2178_1_5"> </A></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke2178_article_ix_miscellaneous"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke2178_11"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ARTICLE IX<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>MISCELLANEOUS    <BR>    </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employment Status.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Plan does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on a Participant's
Employer any obligation to retain the Participant as an Employee, to change the status of the Participant's employment, or to change the Company's policies or those of its Affiliates regarding
termination of employment. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Validity and Severability.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect, and any prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or
render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Waiver.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company's or a Participant's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of
this Plan or the failure to assert any right the Company or a Participant may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Plan. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Governing Law.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of the Plan shall in all respects
be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference to its principles of conflict of law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Committee.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No member or agent of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action,
determination, or interpretation made with respect to the Plan, and each member of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the governing
instruments of the Company. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.6</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfunded Plan Status.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan. All payments pursuant to the Plan shall
be made from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established or other segregation of assets made to assure payment. No Participant or other person shall have
under any circumstances any interest in any particular property or assets of the Company as a result of participating in the Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.7</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Withholding.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any payment provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding
required under federal, state, local, or foreign law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.8</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nonalienation of Benefits.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, amounts payable under the Plan
shall not be subject to any manner of anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, charge, garnishment, execution, or levy of any kind, either voluntary or involuntary,
including any liability which is for alimony or other payments for the support of a spouse or former spouse, or for any other relative of a Participant, prior to actually being received by the person
entitled to payment under the terms of the Plan. Any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, charge, garnish, execute, or levy upon, otherwise dispose of any right
to amounts payable hereunder, shall be null and void. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.9</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Facility of Payment.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
a Participant is declared an incompetent, and a conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care has been appointed, any Retention Bonus to
which such Participant is entitled may be paid to such conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care; </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
a Participant is declared an incompetent and a conservator, guardian, or other person charged with his or her care has not been appointed, the Committee may:
(i)&nbsp;require the appointment of a conservator or guardian; (ii)&nbsp;distribute any Retention Bonus to which such Participant is entitled to his or her spouse, with respect to a Participant
who is married, or to such
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other relative of an unmarried Participant for the benefit of such Participant; or (iii)&nbsp;distribute any Retention Bonus to which such Participant is entitled directly to or for the benefit of
such Participant. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.10</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gender and Number.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except when the context indicates to the contrary, when used herein masculine terms
shall be deemed to include the feminine, and the plural shall be deemed to include the singular. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.11</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Headings.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The headings of Articles and Sections are included solely for convenience of reference and are
not to be used in the interpretation of the provisions of the Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>
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</FONT></P>

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<P><br><A NAME="03DEN2178_3">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_1">EXHIBIT 10.24</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_2">HORIZON ORGANIC HOLDING CORPORATION RETENTION BONUS PLAN</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_3">ARTICLE I ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_4">ARTICLE II PURPOSE</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_5">ARTICLE III DEFINITIONS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_6">ARTICLE IV ADMINISTRATION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_7">ARTICLE V DURATION OF PARTICIPATION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_8">ARTICLE VI RETENTION BONUSES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_9">ARTICLE VII SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_10">ARTICLE VIII DURATION, AMENDMENT, AND TERMINATION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke2178_11">ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS</A></FONT><BR>
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