As the days grow short and the nights get long, I’m about to launch into a rhyming song. We have come to December and the winter solstice, A time when Santa checks who was naughty and nicest.

Cheddar cheese processors dip into snacking, while ice cream brands show dessert solutions in this week's free-standing inserts.

Welcome to the dairy case, a round-up of what's new in products, companies and marketing. In this issue: Karoun, Foremost Farms, Lifeway Foods, Challenge Dairy, HP Hood, Chobani, California Dairies Inc. and more.

Welcome to the dairy case, a round-up of what's new in products, companies and marketing. In this issue: McDonald's, Saputo, Robeks, Golden Glen Creamery, Dead Foods, Hudsonville Creamery and more.

Faced with stagnant growth and competition from non-dairy beverages, processors try to boost sales with flavored milk, new retail channels and new processes.

Despite high energy costs, uncertain ingredient prices and a weak economy, processors continue to develop new ice cream and novelty products and flavors.

Sales rose although units dropped in the last year. Butter makers try new flavors to lure shoppers to the dairy case.

Is your company bottling grape juice? If not, it might be a good idea to add this beverage to your filling lines. Here’s why: Sales of the drink, measured in dollars, increased 345%, unit sales increased 178% and the average unit price increased $1.16 to $3.09. Clearly, the purple beverage is a superstar, according to 52-week data provided by Chicago-based market researcher SymphonyIRI Group.

The cover of the Red Plum insert from Valassis is headlined "Holiday moments to share, made by you." It pictures products from the J.M. Smucker Co., including a package of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk.

Welcome to the dairy case, a round-up of what’s new in products, companies and marketing. In this issue: IDFA, J&J Snack Foods, HP Hood, DCI Cheese, Stonyfield, Slim-Fast, Sophie Yogurt, Fair Oaks Dairy Products, Wells Enterprises and more.