Food and beverage trends for 2026 offer an important look at where consumer demand is heading, and what that means operationally for cheese and dairy processors. Innova Market Insights’ Top 10 Trends point toward continued growth in protein-forward products, rising interest in digestive health, renewed emphasis on indulgence and tradition, and increased …
Fourth Annual Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Report Reveals the Innovations Transforming Dairy
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) has unveiled its 2026 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report, offering an in-depth look at the ideas, innovations, and consumer interests set to define the dairy landscape in the year ahead. In partnership with the Center for Dairy Research …
Engineers develop color-changing films and biodegradable barriers as manufacturers invest millions in production upgrades for safer food packaging.
From color-changing smart films that warn consumers of spoilage in real time to barrier materials made from mushrooms and banana waste, flexible packaging innovation is accelerating on all fronts. Researchers are pushing performance limits with graphene-like nano-coatings …
As the holiday season gets underway, dairy organizations across the United States are ramping up donations to help families facing food insecurity. While many efforts are most visible during November and December, companies and cooperatives say hunger relief is a year-round priority, reflecting the dairy community’s commitment to supporting local families.
Federal funding for dairy innovation and nutrition programs has a direct impact on operational strategy for processors, it shapes the operating environment for cheese and dairy processors across the Midwest and beyond. The renewed and expanded support for Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives, paired with full-year funding for SNAP and WIC, signals …
These products were well represented at this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship.
Increasing manufacturer interest in mixed-milk cheeses was on full display during this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship, featuring more than 200 entries competing for top honors.
According to Jeff Jirik, award-winning cheesemaker and affineur from Jeff’s Cheese, “The primary …
Food and beverage processors still should pursue sustainability initiatives even if they believe support to be waning based on changes in regulatory priorities and eye-catching headlines.
Chips Ahoy!, Doritos, Wendy’s, and other brands look to past packaging glory for future sales.
Thanks, Stranger Things, for rekindling our interest in vintage packaging designs. Set in the 1980s, the popular Netflix show — which will release its fifth season in November 2025 — stays true to the era with hairstyles, clothes, technology, and, …
Building systems that enhance resilience, earn trust and accelerate innovation is a true competitive advantange.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is urging federal agencies not to rush the creation of a regulatory definition for “ultra-processed foods.” In its comments to the FDA and USDA, IDFA emphasized that dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter provide essential nutrients and should be carefully considered given the current …