When we last reported on sales within the U.S. refrigerated retail milk category back in our February issue, the situation was quite rosy. Dollar sales had risen significantly during the 52-week reporting period, and unit sales growth was solid, too.

York, Pa., can trace its beginnings back to 1741, when settlers from the Philadelphia region founded the city. And Rutter's Dairy, which is based in this area, has an origin story that goes back almost as far.

Modesto, Calif.-based Crystal Creamery said it debuted Crystal Creamery deluxe chocolate milk.

After seeing declines year after year, the milk category (at least at retail) now seems to be pulling rabbits out of a hat. Dollar sales in the overall category rose 7.8% to $16,330.1 million during the 52 weeks ending Sept. 6, 2020, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

From cashew to banana "milk," it seems like nondairy milk alternatives have been popping up in every imaginable form in recent years. And conventional milk has suffered from the competition.

Wild Rose Foods, Portland, Ore., said it introduced Lulubelle’s Creamery, a new dairy brand of of local organic milk produced at Wild Rose Foods’ Lulubelle Creamery.

"Jack Sprat could eat no fat. His wife could eat no lean." This might be a modern day couple, with one spouse following a plant-based low-fat diet while the other adheres to a high-fat, low-carb regimen with generous portions of meat and dairy.

International Dairy Foods Association, National Milk Producers Federation said the addition of whole milk to school menus reflects research showing such products benefit children.

Formulating dairy products for children can be tricky. Two essential ingredients are a clean label and a clever package, possibly adorned with Disney or Star Wars characters.

As milk alternatives made from almonds, coconut and some other decidedly non-dairy sources increase in popularity, dairy milk sales continue on a downward spiral.