Articles by Brian Berk

Our trip to Smith Brothers Farms included two stops: one was a visit to the Kent, Wash., plant, where the company processes milk. Following this visit, we traveled 20 minutes to Federal Way, Wash., to check out the company’s distribution center, the origin of all Smith Brothers Farms’ home delivery services, which is the pillar of many communities.

From 1905 to the 1990s, home delivery was common for dairy processors, but popularity declined as customers turned to supermarkets. While many manufacturers focused solely on processing, Smith Brothers Farms maintained its delivery service and remains strong today, despite competition from Amazon and Costco nearby.

As the new year begins, the dairy industry faces exciting changes driven by evolving consumer demands and innovation. From the rising focus on protein to the unique offerings at Smith Brothers Farms, this month’s insights highlight key trends and technologies shaping the future of dairy. Join us as we explore what lies ahead in 2026.

Danone hosted a six-hour event solely about protein at its Louisville, Colo., headquarters, featuring interactive experiences, a tour of its Pilot Plant, educational sessions, and more.

Ice cream sales declined slightly for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 2, with dollar sales at $7.5 billion and unit sales down 3%. Meanwhile, ice milk and frozen desserts are growing in popularity.

Scott Dahl, chief creative officer at Nordeast Marketing Group, discusses dairy marketing in Episode 60 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast. He has previously worked at Betty, BBDO, and OLSON in various industries.

Aseptic and extended-shelf-life (ESL) production lines offer a promising opportunity for dairy processors, particularly as aseptic juice sales have increased by nearly 7%, reaching $2.6 billion. The global aseptic packaging market is expected to grow significantly, rising from $80 billion in 2024 to $185.8 billion by 2032.

Lifeway Foods donates $10,000 to wildfire victims, launches National Kefir Day, and is honored as our Processor of the Year!

Uncover pivotal insights from IDFA’s DairyTech 2025 conference, where leaders emphasized the future of dairy supply chains. Focusing on artificial intelligence, resilience, and cost management, experts outlined strategies for navigating disruption and reshaping the industry for success.

As we prepare to welcome 2026, exciting changes are on the horizon for Dairy Foods, including an expanded focus on membrane technology and a dedicated Health and Wellness issue coming this June. Stay tuned for insightful articles, Processor Profiles, and the return of beloved awards.