There are many contenders in the world of nondairy beverages and new ones keep pouring in. Manufacturers of waters, juices, coffees and teas have to continually find ways to set their offerings apart from the competition.

I have been at the International Dairy Foods Association for 22 years, and during that time water usage and wastewater discharges have always been important issues.Discussions about water in the past were usually about wastewater. Historically, municipalities added more and more houses and businesses to their sewage treatment plants, but did not upgrade the infrastructure to accommodate the increased load.

Packaging of milk, yogurt and frozen desserts were honored in the 2011 Pentawards competition. Prize winners received trophies at a ceremony in New York in September.

Dairy processors get ideas about ingredient and flavor trends from makers of non-dairy beverage.