James Carper

 The future is bright for the aseptic packaging of dairy and processed foods in North America. That’s the conclusion of a 2012 study by the research firm Markets and Markets.  

In late February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration put out for comment its suggestions to redo the Nutrition Facts label on food packages.

The dairy industry thrives on tradition. Independent dairies have built long-term relationships with consumers that are passed from generation to generation. Family-owned regional dairies rely on these loyalties.

A milk processor channels pin-up models in its ad campaign for a high-protein milk. Meanwhile, the national marketing group MilkPEP has stopped asking “got milk?” in favor of a new campaign that touts the beverage’s protein content.

 California’s Central Valley Cheese keeps busy by making a wide range of cheeses and cultured dairy products that appeal to Mediterranean, Hispanic, Indian and South Asian consumers. 

Sea salt/caramel continues to be a popular combination in foods, especially dairy. Other classic combos are raspberry/dark chocolate, mango/peach, and strawberry/granola. Dairy Foods looks at flavors used by processors in their new lines.
 

Headlines from the holidays should cause dairy companies to re-examine their systems and procedures when it comes to distribution, customer loyalty and crisis management. Are you ready for a UPS-magnitude delivery snafu or a Target-like security breach?

 Kemps makes ice cream and other frozen desserts around the clock in its facility in Rochester, Minn. The frozen products category is a strategic pillar in Kemps’ plan to grow beyond its stronghold in the Upper Midwest. 

‘It’s the cows’ is the slogan the Minnesota-based dairy processor uses to tell consumers why Kemps’ dairy foods taste so good. It is the company’s business strategy and its innovative new products that make Kemps a favorite with grocery, co-pack and foodservice customers.

Dairy Farmers of America has acquired Oakhurst Dairy, a family owned dairy processor in Portland, Maine.