The American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) announced that Dave Thomas is the 2020 recipient of the ADPI Award of Merit. The Award of Merit was established in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made a significant difference in the processed dairy products industry.

Thomas had a career in dairy that spanned 41 years, including operations management roles at Western General Dairies and Gossner Foods and 15 years as president and CEO of Glanbia Foods. He was instrumental in the growth of Glanbia Foods, Elmhurst, Ill.-based ADPI said, as he spearheaded several investment and expansion phases, leading the company to become one of the largest producers of American-style cheese and nutritional products derived from whey in the country.