Acid whey disposal used to be an issue. A ‘natural’ blue color wasn’t available. And dairy processors want to reduce sugars. Suppliers developed solutions to all of these concerns.
Wholesale prices for butter reached a record high at the CME Group this year. The outlook is that U.S. demand for butter will ease. It is also possible that foreign butter will come to America.
There’s nothing like a jolt of caffeine to wake up beverage sales. The energy drink sector also gained, but the almond milk category performed even better.
Ice cream production has increased for three years in a row. Processors of ice cream, gelato and frozen novelties find success with sweet-and-salty combinations, candy bar inclusions and cocktail-inspired flavors.
Yogurt is in its glory days as processors are getting innovative and trying to change the conversation. It’s not all just about Greek yogurt anymore in this ever-changing, hot category.
Makers of breakfast cereals are natural allies of milk processors. Athletic organizations help to promote chocolate milk. And milk processors, using industry-funded research, are developing high-protein, valued-added beverages.
The state of the dairy industry is good. Sales are up in many categories, exports of dairy ingredients are booming, processors are developing new products, the industry is touting the inherent nutrition in milk and suppliers are addressing flavor, sweetening, color, and sustainability issues.
There is no stopping the caffeinated beverage. Sales of refrigerated, ready-to-drink coffee soar in the last year. Refrigerated juices and juice blends do well, too.
