Schreiber Foods Inc., Green Bay, Wis., has agreed to purchase the production assets of Orlando, Fla.-based Galaxy Nutritional Foods Inc. Schreiber will make and distribute Galaxy’s alternative dairy products for five years, an arrangement that is renewable at Galaxy’s option for two additional five-year periods. The sale requires the approval of Galaxy shareholders and lenders. The closing date is scheduled for November 1.

In July, Groupe Danone announced that TBWA Worldwide, part of Omnicom Group, will take over corporate branding initiatives for the company’s dairy operation. TBWA France will lead the account, which will be implemented on a country-by-country basis, with Y&R, part of the WPP Group, remaining the lead agency continuing to handle consumer advertising.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Arlington, Va., will conduct a series of listening sessions next year for dairy farmers across the country, with the intent of developing a consensus approach to the dairy-related policy terms that Congress should include in the 2007 Farm Bill. The meetings will be called the Dairy Producer Conclave 2006, and will be modeled after similar meetings that NMPF organized six years ago.

Roanoke, Va.-based Valley Rich Dairy has ceased processing and bottling operations at the Valley Rich Dairy plant in Roanoke, and will close 15 of its 17 distribution facilities in Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia by September 9. The company says the decision to terminate operations was necessary because of ongoing competitive changes in the dairy marketplace. Valley Rich will work with existing customers, including retailers, wholesalers, distributors and school districts, to transition their accounts to other local dairy companies and fresh food distributors.

Rosemont, Ill.-based Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) has launched a new Web site. The new site, www.innovatewithdairy.com, features extensive technical and marketing information, sections on dairy research and technologies, ingredients, formulations, nutrition research and DMI-supported innovation. The site replaces www.doitwithdairy.com and www.extraordinarydairy.com.

Under fire from regulators, health organizations and consumer advocates for contributing to childhood obesity, some of America’s most visible food marketers have unveiled plans to back a massive public service advertising effort intended to curb obesity. The effort, dubbed the Coalition for Healthy Children, is being organized by the Advertising Council and is backed by Kraft Foods, along with Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola Co., Pepsi-Co. and Welch Foods, as well as the American Heart Association, the American Dietetic Association, the American Diabetes Association and Time magazine.

In July, TCBY launched Yovana, a new quick-service concept designed to meet consumers’ increasing demand for fresh, healthy and convenient foods. Yovana’s offerings center on premium yogurt, prepared in-store, and fresh daily. Guests can choose from a range of made-to-order meals and snacks, including fresh yogurt parfaits, drinkable yogurt smoothies and frozen yogurt treats featuring fresh fruit and organic wholegrain granolas. Yovana’s first prototype store opened in Phoenix.

Ventura Foods LLC, Brea, Calif., has entered into an agreement to purchase the Marie’s® dressings and Dean’s® dips businesses from Dallas-based Dean Foods Co. The transaction includes a long-term license agreement whereby Ventura Foods will have the right to use the Dean’s trademark on dips.