In 2020, the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) completed its 95th year of continuous operation since the founding of the legacy organizations during the roaring 1920s in Chicago. Not many organizations can say that today — especially in the realm of industry trade associations and much less in the dairy segment of the broad food and beverage industry.
Upon further examination of this accomplishment and looking into the why’s and how’s related to the same, the fundamental formula for success has been — and remains today — that we are of, for and by our members. ADPI’s legacy organizations (Evaporated Milk Association, 1923; American Dry Milk Institute, 1925; Whey Products Institute, 1971) all were founded and organized to serve members by enabling “pre- and pro-competitive” collaborative work to benefit members — and, ultimately, consumers of the products produced — to enhance health, wellbeing and fundamental nutrition needs. Members worked together to resolve issues and to identify and leverage opportunities to ensure viable growth for not only their respective organizations, but also the “industry” at large. In the early days, activities centered on food safety, product nutrition and distribution optimization to be able to feed U.S. consumers.