Jim Carper's Dairy Case

By James Carper

Welcome to the dairy case, a round-up of what’s new in products, companies and marketing. In this issue: Lioni Latticini Inc., Robeks, The Cheese Importers Association of America, Kemps, Baskin-Robbins, MaggieMoo's, Dreyer’s (Edy’s) and more.

Welcome to Jim Carper's Dairy Case, a look at the new dairy products, companies and marketing efforts making the news.

Lioni Latticini Inc., Union, N.J., a maker of fresh mozzarella products, has implemented the use of solar power at its facility. Green Apple Energy, Long Branch, N.J., installed a 400.4 kilowatt solar system on the roof of the Lioni manufacturing facility. The Photovoltaic (PV) Effect of the system will produce approximately 474,000 kWh per year. Since generating solar energy this past March, Lioni Latticini has already obtained over 40% of its energy needs from renewable resources.

In a new marketing and social media campaign that launched May 16, Los Angeles-based Robeks contrasts the healthy benefits of its premium smoothies made with dairy products, whole fruits and natural juices with those sold by fast food retailers that typically lack these beneficial ingredients. Its initiative, called "Experience a Better Whirl'd," features pocket-sized educational brochures, highlighting the benefits of whole fruits. Inside Robeks stores, customers see messages about the way fruits refresh, refuel and revitalize the body.

People

The Cheese Importers Association of America announced its 2011 officers and directors. Officers are: President, Ken Meyers, MCT Dairies; First Vice-President, Thomas Gellert, Atalanta Corp.; Second Vice-President, Dominique Delugeau, DCI Cheese Co.; Treasurer, Linda Karaffa, Norseland Cheese Inc.; Secretary, Ken Olsson, A.V. Olsson Trading Co.
The following directors were elected to a new three-year term: John Angiolillo, Icco Cheese; Roisin Hennerty, Irish Dairy Board; Phil Marfuggi, The Ambriola Co.; Carolyn Mortland, Fonterra USA; Jordan Phiebig, Galaxy Dairy Products, Inc; Mike Restivo, Finlandia /Valio USA; Philippe Surget, Lactalis Deli; Paul Schilt, Mifroma USA; Jim Robinson, Jana Foods; and Daniel Schnyder, Emmi Roth USA.

Unity College, Unity, Maine, awarded an honorary doctorate to Samuel Kaymen, co-founder of Stonyfield Farm during commencement exercises on May 7.

Ice Cream

Kemps launched its Hometown Favorite Ice Cream Flavor contest for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota residents. Participants submit their flavor idea, name and Minnesota inspiration from May 24 through June 14 at www.kempsnextflavor.com. Kemps selects 10 finalists; ice cream fans vote online from June 22 to July 6 to choose the top two flavors.

Baskin-Robbins asks customers to vote to bring one of 31 retired flavors out of its "Deep Freeze." Classic flavors such as Beatle-Nut, Lunar Cheesecake and Yankee Doodle Strudel, will compete for the chance to become a favorite for a new generation of ice cream aficionados. Voting began May 24 on the "Deep Freeze" tab of the Baskin-Robbins Facebook page.

MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery (GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group) will introduce four new ice cream flavors, Root Beer, Pretzel, Green Apple and Chocolate Malted.

Nestle’s Dreyer's Fruit Bars (Edy’s brand in the Midwest) in June invites selected players of Zynga's popular FarmVille game to Farmville, Va., to plant an actual fruit orchard for the community. Online players can plant limited-edition Fruit Bars branded crops within the FarmVille game, earning additional profitability and the opportunity to receive mastery recognition for planting, growing and selling the Fruit Bars crops.

Recalls

Nazareth Classic and Nazareth Light cheese has been recalled by Atalanta Corp., Elizabeth, N.J., because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Fewer than 70 cases of the recalled cheeses were distributed, mostly in North East retail stores. Recall notices were sent to all retail outlets that received the potentially affected product.

The United States Attorney's Office, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, filed a verified complaint on May 13, 2011, requesting that the U.S. Marshals seize cheese products distributed by Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin Inc., after FDA inspections found evidence of rodent infestation. The U.S. District Court unsealed the case, and documents show that the U.S. Marshals seized certain cheese products at the facility on May 17, and May 18, 2011.

Contest

Consumer brands across the country are invited to enter their newest innovative products into the 2012 Product of the Year (POY) USA Awards. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information, visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

The Organic Trade Association seeks nominations for its Organic Leadership Awards, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the organic industry. The awards are Achievement in Growing the Organic Industry and Achievement in Growing Organic Agriculture award. Candidates must have demonstrated skills, innovation, personal commitment, leadership and vision to grow organic agriculture or the organic sector. In addition, they must have achieved identifiable and lasting changes to promote and protect organic agriculture and trade, and have inspired others to advance the cause as well. Nominations and letters of endorsement for the 2011. Awards are due May 27. The selection criterion and downloadable nominations forms are posted on OTA’s website.

Calendar

June 11 to 14. IFT Food Expo, New Orleans

Sept. 19 to 21. International Dairy Show, Atlanta

Oct. 8 to 12. Anuga, Cologne, Germany

Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend.

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Jim Carper is the former editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods.