Dairy Foods & Beverages

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I want to devote much of my editorial space this month to thank Sharon Gerdes, author of the “Health and Wellness” column, for everything she has done for Dairy Foods during the past 21 years. 

Lactose-free milk remains a bright spot in the milk category. According to information from Dairy Management Inc., retail volume sales are up 11.6% in 2024 year-to-date (YTD) (through July 21), building on average annual growth of 11.4% from 2019 to 2023. 

Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters LLC, joins Dairy Foods to discuss the latest trends in food service, how health and wellness is affecting today’s consumer trends and much more.

Timed to coincide with the 2024-2025 football season, and releasing in limited quantities, BODYARMOR, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., is leveraging an all-new lineup of limited-edition bottles for its popular, ready-to-drink (RTD) sports drinks made with coconut water.

If we’re just looking at volume, the export outlook for the second half of 2024 and early 2025 is generally steady, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

We (and, perhaps, you) are continually being asked how to be more innovative. We suspect the term to be used without a clear definition nor guidance. 

The consumer appeal of cultured dairy products is strong given the number of products and product diversity available today. 

In the dairy industry, inclusions commonly add color, taste, and texture to premium ice cream — think chunks of cookie dough, swirls of caramel, and slivers of nuts and cherries — and yogurt with its now popular “sidecar” packaging. 

Dairy Foods in July had the opportunity to visit Ireland and several of its dairy processors, thanks to an invitation from Bord Bia, the Irish Dairy Board. 

There’s a saying that there’s nothing permanent but change, and when it comes to science, that’s really true. At National Dairy Council, research and education are our responsibility (and our passion!).