Dairy Processor News - Articles - Page 251

Farm Bill 2012

IDFA survey: Americans don't like government limits on milk production

But the majority of Americans recognize the need for the government to help dairy farmers in some way.

November 28, 2012

"It's clear Americans feel strongly that the federal government should stay out of the milk pricing business," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. "Dairy is a dietary staple and a primary source of essential nutrition to tens of millions of Americans. Artificially raising milk prices by manipulating the market, as proposed in the Farm Bill's Dairy Security Act, hurts consumers and it hurts taxpayers," she said.

Personnel moves

Cheesemaker Sargento announces new hires, promotions

November 27, 2012

Sargento Foods Inc. this week announced several personnel changes. Among them:Bob Strickland was hired as national customer business manager for Costco and Laura Meyer as customer research manager. Vince Juneau was promoted to consumer research manager for Walmart and Sam’s club team.

Investment

Agropur plans $100 million investment in Wisconsin plant

This investment will increase the production capacity, improve the technology of the whey processing facility and wastewater treatment system.

November 26, 2012

Agropur is investing more than $100 million in its Luxemburg plant in Wisconsin in order to significantly increase the production capacity.

Dairy Foods State of the Industry Report 2012

Ellen Schmitz

November 19, 2012

Our annual report card grades the various categories of dairy foods and beverages. None fail, but clearly, product developers need to bone up on chemistry to develop exciting new products. Remedial work in marketing principles will help convey dairy’s nutritional benefits.

Tighter dairy supplies forecast for 2013

Drought in the United States, less favorable conditions in Europe, an uncertain El Niño and a decrease in New Zealand pay prices have increased supply challenges in the year ahead.

Brad Gehrke

November 19, 2012

After 16 months of steady price declines, the global dairy markets are on the rise again. The world’s appetite for dairy products hasn’t abated, while a slowdown in milk production growth in the United States and Europe this summer has put a squeeze on the international market. Supplies are expected to be snug well into 2013, pointing to continued strong prices ahead.

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.

Ingredients help consumers play with their food

One trend is interactive foods, as when users stir inclusions into yogurts or swirl colors into new combinations. Other trends (like clean labels) can have a domino effect on formulations. Eliminating sugar, for example, has a direct bearing on texture.

November 18, 2012

The national effort to turn around the obesity epidemic is steering children away from soft drinks and back to milk-based beverages. The popularity of Greek yogurt has given a shot in the arm to the cultured dairy category. Natural cheese is chic, as tastings and artisanal offerings take off. Ice cream processors welcome the flavor innovators.

Hot milk dispenser

Prairie Farms taps on-demand hot chocolate milk dispensing

A dispenser for foodservice operations, like those in stadia, enables sales of hot chocolate.

November 18, 2012

Prairie Farms has been assisting start-up venture Gourmet Dispensing, which offers a high-throughput countertop system that dispenses up to 96 ounces of hot chocolate milk a minute.

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.

To sell more dairy products, help retailers sell meal solutions

Meal solutions merchandising provides retailers an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition and more flexibility to leverage key consumer trends.

Rebecca MacKay

November 16, 2012

When consumers buy more dairy products, we all win. As an important link between dairy brands and shoppers, solution-based merchandising at grocery stores presents a key opportunity to increase sales.