Anyone fortunate enough to travel in early June to the nation's capital for the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association's (IDDBA) seminar and expo, Dairy-Deli-Bake 2004, was likely impressed by the number of new products being introduced by cheesemakers across the country. Here's a sampling.

Specialty lecithins improve how readily dairy-based powders dissolve in a liquid

It’s the middle of summer, so it may be hard to believe, but in the past year, consumers have not been screaming for ice cream. Everybody loves the stuff, and in recent years the overall ice cream category has enjoyed steady (if somewhat modest) growth of about 2-3% a year.

In 2003, and in the first half of this year, the cultured dairy product category has continued to grow, thanks entirely to yogurt. But yogurt has grown at a slower pace in more recent months. And its companion products have dropped into the red.

Milk is by far the largest of dairy's four categories, but perhaps its most troublesome. While overall sales may show some growth from year to year, per-capita sales continue to dog the industry. That number was down to 22.4 lbs in 2002 from 22.5 lbs in 2001.

Dairy processors are in a unique position to use dairy proteins to create innovative foods and beverages.

July is the month when the regular monthly issue of Dairy Foods is pre-empted by our Buyer's Guide & SourceBook. It's a special product, and one that we at the magazine are very proud of. It's a great guide to your suppliers and our advertisers. In fact it's one of the best reference sources for everything the dairy processor needs for running his or her business. So keep it handy.

Increased competition, brought about by consolidation in the dairy industry and the resulting advent of national brands, has prompted regional dairies to embrace group purchasing. Now in its 31st year

As a member-owned corporation led by Executive Director Jeff Sterne, the All Star Dairy Association is setting all time new records for both sales and membership participation. While closing in

The 2001 formation of Quality Chekd SECO Purchasing, LLC provides the Quality Chekd and SECO & Golden "100" organizations with continuing opportunities for purchasing program development. The increasingly competitive environment