Cheese has the advantage, you might say, as U.S consumers' love affair with it continues to flourish.

The dairy industry currently faces a number of challenges ranging from global trade obstacles to the rise of plant-based dairy alternatives. Dairy Foods asked the top executives from leading dairy associations to provide their thoughts related to current industry issues and opportunities; and to discuss how their organizations are helping members succeed in trying times.

At first glance, it seems that milk hasn't been dealt the best hand. But the beverage isn't considering folding: While purchasing numbers have declined in recent years, it's still present in 91% of American households, according to the September 2019 "Eating Trends: Meat, Dairy, Vegetarian, and Vegan" report from the Packaged Facts division of Rockville, Md.-based MarketResearch.com.

Exports are a demand-pull phenomenon, and demand has been good. U.S. milk equivalent exports from January to July were record high, up 19.5% from 2017.

Ingredient companies serving up "clean" options to their dairy-biz customers can rest assured: The ball will be in their court as we roll into 2019.

On the nondairy beverage front, the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea category has been throwing some well-placed hooks and jabs. Sales in the total category, including refrigerated and shelf-stable offerings, rose 11.5% during the 52 weeks ending Aug. 12, 2018, to $1.8 billion, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

Team Butter has been empowered by recent health studies about its benefits to set a pick on its margarine opponent and drive for the hoop. In the 52 weeks ending Aug. 12, 2018, dollar sales for butter jumped 5.8%, while unit sales rose 1.8%, Chicago-based market research firm IRI reported.

Consumers' love affair with ice cream is global in scope. In fact, the global ice cream market size was valued at US$54.80 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% between 2018 and 2025, according to a January 2018 report from San Francisco-based Grand View Research.

Coming off a sluggish season with near-flat sales across yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese, cultured dairy products are practicing new techniques in a bid for a World-Series season. The top priority at practice has been positioning the players for new consumption occasions.

Although its growth at retail has slowed down in recent years, the natural cheese category is still gaining yardage. Dollar sales in the total category rose 1% to $12.9 billion during the 52 weeks ending Aug. 12, 2018, data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI show. Unit sales increased 1.5%.