Deciding it can better serve the industry by breaking off from Worldwide Food Expo, the International Dairy Foods Association Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation of its Executive Committee that the association’s dairy trade show become an annual event. 

“The launch of a new annual International Dairy Show in 2010 gives the dairy industry a great opportunity to focus on industry trends and to keep up with a rapidly changing marketplace,” said Gary Vanic, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese Co. and IDFA board chairman.

Research indicated that IDFA’s trade show could provide greater value for the dairy community and IDFA members by offering an event focused on trends and innovations in the dairy industry. Exhibitors and attendees who participate in Worldwide Food Expo indicated through interviews and surveys that an annual event would create more opportunity to showcase product and packaging innovation as well as provide more frequent interaction between suppliers and processors.

“With the new show, we will be able to focus on the topics, issues and products dairy professionals care about most,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “It will provide the learning, networking and trade show experience the dairy industry depends on to stay on top of the latest trends and issues.”

The first International Dairy Show will be held Sept. 13-15, 2010, in Dallas. The location of future shows will be based on competitive pricing and access for exhibitors and attendees.

For the past 10 years, IDFA has co-located its biennial trade show with the American Meat Institute in Chicago.

Washington, D.C.-based IDFA represents 530 companies in a $110 billion-a-year industry, including 220 dairy processing members with more than 600 plant operations. More information is at www.idfa.org.