The past year brought challenges to many North American dairy processors, from tariffs threatening export sales to a growing array of dairy alternatives squeezing limited shelf space. Some dairy processors fared better than others when it came to addressing those challenges.

Ice cream is big business in the United States. According to the Washington, D.C.-based International Dairy Foods Association, it is an $11 billion industry that supports 26,000 direct jobs and generates $1.6 billion in direct wages.

Juice's long-standing reputation as a healthy drink has come across some problems as American consumers look to reduce their sugar intake.

There's been little reason for cultured dairy processors to celebrate in recent months. During the 52 weeks ending Feb. 24, 2019, most major cultured dairy categories/subcategories saw retail dollar sales fall, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

With processed cheese sales continuing to dive and natural cheese staying stagnant, there are few bright spots in the retail cheese category.

Back in 2017, energy drink sales seemed tired. The category experienced only a 2.1% increase in dollar sales and a 1.8% increase in unit sales that year, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 3, 2017.

It's no secret that the fluid milk category has been struggling at retail for quite some time. However, sales of flavored milk and whole milk actually made some impressive gains in the not-too-distant past.

The competition among ice cream brands remains fierce, as some scramble to answer the call for "healthy indulgence" and others seek to grab attention with unique flavors and premiumization.

Cheese is one of the most versatile foods around, with consumers enjoying it as a snack, as part of a meal and as an ingredient in countless dishes.

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.