Dairy processor news - Articles - Page 67

2016 Dairy Processor of the Year Wells Enterprises rebrands its Blue Bunny ice cream

Wells Enterprises, our 2016 Dairy Processor of the Year, overhauled its Blue Bunny ice cream brand. New marketing, new flavors and new products have led to higher sales.

James Carper

December 5, 2016

The Wells Enterprises’ ice cream plant runs 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of this heavy-duty schedule, once a year the maintenance crew takes apart and rebuilds each piece of equipment.

State of the Industry 2016: U.S. butter processors see sales, units increase

U.S. butter processors are finding a strong appetite for butter at home. Export demand, on the other hand, has dried up.

James Carper

November 16, 2016

Retail sales of branded butter showed gains on private label butter in the last year. Though dollar sales of private label butter increased 3.4%, unit sales decreased 1.3%, suggesting that retailers raised prices.

Financials

Cheese/dairy sales improve at Kraft Heinz, drop for Dean Foods

The dairy cooperative said its Land O Lakes brand benefitted from strong volumes in Foodservice.

November 11, 2016

Dairy processors report quarterly sales. They increased for Lifeway Foods, Kraft Heinz and Land O’Lakes.

State of the Industry 2016: Fluid milk processors find value in added value

For fluid milk processors, the value is in added value. Flavored, added-protein, lactose-free and organic milks show sales gains in the last year.

James Carper

November 7, 2016

In searching for signs of life in the fluid milk category, one can find a pulse. Sales of whole milk rose 4.1% from 2014 to 2015. Sales also increased for 1% milk (4.6%), whole flavored milk (6.4%), other flavored milk (1.3%) and buttermilk (5.2%). These segments represent opportunities for fluid milk processors.

2016 Exporter of the Year Swiss Valley Farms exports to 23 countries

The Iowa-based dairy cooperative invests in people and equipment to support cream cheese and whey powder exports.

Mark O'Keefe

November 4, 2016

Swiss Valley Farms, Davenport, Iowa, is the 2016 Tom Camerlo Exporter of the Year. The award goes to a dairy supplier that exemplifies leadership in advancing U.S. dairy exports, demonstrates commitment to export market development and makes exports an integral part of its overall growth strategy. It is presented by Dairy Foods and sponsored by the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arlington, Va.

Dairy Foods job survey of dairy employees shows high satisfaction with job

Owners and presidents of dairy processing firms have the highest job satisfaction, according to our exclusive survey. Employees are happiest with their immediate co-workers, but when it comes to the brass, not so much.

James Carper

November 4, 2016

Any dairy farmer can attest that contented cows give better milk. But how satisfied are employees of dairy processing firms? Are they happy where they are working, or are they job hopping?

The Dairy Case

Dairy processors rely on creativity to grow, stay strong

Dairy processors meet consumers' calls for convenience and new flavors.

James Carper

November 4, 2016

It’s easy to find creativity in dairy processing. Look at the people involved in formulating, processing, packaging and marketing of dairy foods and beverages. Their innovations meet consumers’ calls for convenience and new flavors.

GM-Oh-no

Dannon responds to farmers’ slam over its GMO stance

Farmers claim that Dannon’s step back from GMOs is ‘environmentally damaging.’ Yogurt maker cites a ‘growing’ consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients.

October 21, 2016

Farmers criticize Dannon’s pledge to eliminate GMOs. They say the use of genetically modified organisms is a ‘safe and proven crop technology.’

Feta-up

The EU takes a billion-dollar bite out of the U.S. dairy industry

At today’s prices, the decline in U.S. cheese consumption due to the loss of common food names could amount to $2.3 billion in lost sales in three years.

October 11, 2016

The European Union aims to prevent U.S. dairy food manufacturers from using cheese names such as feta and parmesan. An dairy industry analysis predicts losses in the billions of dollars to processors and rising prices for consumers.

Dairy processors should promote milk as a nutrient-dense protein choice

Consumers are exploring plant-based protein options. Dairy processors have to demonstrate why their foods are the better, more nutrient-dense choice.

James Carper

October 7, 2016

One size fits all never works. Dairies understand that consumers want options. That’s why milk processors offer the four fats (whole, 2%, 1% and nonfat), ice cream makers churn no-sugar-added varieties and cheesemakers cut their products into slices, chunks and shreds.