Cheese whats? The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and A&W All American food are taking a favorite Wisconsin treat outside of the Dairy State. Wisconsin Cheese Curds have been added to the menus at A&W locations coast-to-coast. Cheese curds are relatively fresh curds of American style cheddar. When offered in a restaurant they are usually coated and fried or baked like mozzarella sticks.

Dairy sales in China continue to grow. American Dairy, Inc., one of the leading producers and distributors of milk powder and soybean products in China, says its net income grew 121% during the three months ended March 31. Shanghai Bright Dairy & Food Co. said its net profit increased 13% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2005.

Eugene Meyer, former editor of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine died of lung cancer last month. He was 81. Meyer worked on the editorial staff of the influential industry magazine for 40 years, including a 16-year stint as managing editor until his retirement in 1988.

Lifeway Foods Inc.’s cultured milk-based Kefir drink was recognized by the Food Marketing Institute this month, receiving the 2005 Retailer Choice Award. Retailer and wholesaler attendees at FMI’s Chicago trade show chose Lifeway’s Kefir as a winner from among a number of different entrants in the New Product beverage category.

Lithuania’s leading cheese producer Rokiskio Suris, reported a sales increase of 8.3% for the first four months of 2005. The company’s net profit grew by 24 % in 2004.

To submit business news items and photos to Dairy Foods, send to Chief Editor David Phillips at Dairy Foods 1050 Illinois Route 83, Suite 200 Bensenville, IL 60106 or phillipsd@dairyfoods.com.