Dairy Foods & Beverages - Articles

Beverage news: Plain old water gets a makeover

Flavor enhancers let consumers customize their beverages. Juice makers combine flavors (especially superfruits), and tea brands go with lower-calorie sweeteners.

April Miller

November 19, 2012

There are many contenders in the world of nondairy beverages and new ones keep pouring in. Manufacturers of waters, juices, coffees and teas have to continually find ways to set their offerings apart from the competition.

Greek yogurt dips

T.G.I. Friday’s launches Greek yogurt dips

November 19, 2012

Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods Inc. introduced new T.G.I. Friday’s licensed refrigerated Greek yogurt-based dips in six flavors.

USDA's Dairy Market News

Milk demand is strong, cheese prices are 'topsyturvey,' reports the USDA

A look at milk, cheese, butter and powder supply and demand.

November 17, 2012

Class I demand continues to be very strong in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, limiting manufacturing milk supplies. California milk output trends continue to indicate steady to slightly higher gains. Processing plants are running at manageable levels and no issues are expected over the Thanksgiving holiday period. Conditions have been ideal for milk production across Arizona and total output is increasing on a weekly basis.

Butter is ready for its close-up

Good old high-fat, high-calorie butter is starring on restaurant menus and at home. Foodies appreciate butter’s qualities in baking and in adding taste to home cooking.

James Carper

November 16, 2012

Nobody puts butter in a corner. Not anymore. Long shunted to the dietary sidelines because of its saturated-fat content and high caloric value, butter is undergoing a renaissance. You can thank fine-dining (see related article) and a renewed interest in cooking at home for that.

Latte love

Tim Hortons serves seasonal lattes, hot chocolates

The donut maker incorporates peppermint flavor into two dairy-based beverages.

November 16, 2012

Two milk-based beverages join donuts on a new seasonal menu at Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop restaurants.

The nanny state

Cheesemakers' campaign says vote for the French goat

French cheesemakers butt in.

November 15, 2012

France's cheese industry says that with many goat cheeses marketed to look like French chevre – it is difficult to know what a cheese's origin is, unless one checks the back label. The "Original Chevre" campaign includes cheese tastings in major cities throughout the United States.

There is no fun for ice cream processors

Ice cream is marketed to consumers as a “fun” food, but the industry sees little to enjoy. Sales of ice cream, novelties, and sherbets have declined. Frozen yogurt, on the other hand, is the category star.

James Carper

November 15, 2012

Ice cream is a price-driven food with little brand loyalty. Sure, consumers say they have their favorite flavors and brands, but when that moment of truth arrives and it’s time to grab a carton from the freezer, price beats brand. The best-selling national brand is “private label.” And the sad truth of it is, Americans are buying less ice cream.

YoCrunch introduces yogurt with cereal

November 15, 2012

YoCrunch, owned by YoFarm Yogurt Co., Naugatuck, Conn., is taking the yogurt-for-breakfast concept further, introducing yogurt with cereal toppings.

Greek yogurt stars in the dairy case

In the cultured dairy category, Greek-style is dominating yogurt, but it’s popping up in other cultured products as well. Plus, processors target healthier snacking opportunities and convenience.

Sarah M. Kennedy

November 14, 2012

The explosion of Greek-style has dominated the yogurt aisle for much of this year, including new introductions from Yoplait, Karoun Dairies, Dannon, Chobani and others.

Adult Beverage Co. introduces strawberry flavored alcohol-infused milk

November 13, 2012

Adding to its line of liqueurs, White Plains, N.Y.-based Adult Beverage Co. announced a strawberry flavor addition to its alcohol-infused milk. The ready-to-drink Adult Strawberry Milk combines strawberries, cream and vodka, and doesn’t require refrigeration. The suggested retail price for a 750-milliliter bottle is $17.99.