DAIRY PRODUCTS
McDonald's USA introduced two milk-based beverages to its McCafe beverage line: Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. These are the brand's first specialty seasonal beverages. They can be made with whole or nonfat milk, and are available through Jan. 2, 2012, or until supplies last.

Robeks, Los Angeles, said its Smoothie Bowls are available at Robeks stores across the country. The yogurt smoothie is eaten with a spoon. Robeks makes the food with hard pack yogurt that is blended with fruit juice and whole fruit. Unlike Robeks traditional smoothies, Smoothie Bowls don't contain ice.

Golden Glen Creamery, Bow, Wash., issued a voluntary recall of its Raw Cheddar because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

DAIRY PROCESSORS

Dean Foods Co. this week reported net sales of $3.4 billion for the third quarter totaled, compared to $3.1 billion of net sales in the third quarter of 2010. Consolidated operating loss in the third quarter 2011 totaled $1.9 billion, compared to consolidated operating income of $93 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Saputo Inc. said second quarter revenues were Cdn$1.791 billion, an increase of Cdn$240.7 million or 15.5% in comparison to Cdn $1.551 billion for the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. Net earnings for the quarter were Cdn $127.1 million, an increase of Cdn $1.3 million or 1.0% compared to Cdn $125.8 million for the same quarter last fiscal year.

Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream Co., Holland, Mich., will produce hand-scooped frozen yogurt for TCBY, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hudsonville Ice Cream is sold in all metro-Detroit area grocers and supermarkets, and is also available in select areas of Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. The processor uses Michigan ingredients whenever possible.

DAIRY CALENDAR

Feb. 8, 2012. Entry deadline for the2012 World Championship Cheese Contest