Food packaging continues to evolve beyond traditional labeling, with dynamic freshness indicators emerging as a tool to help reduce food waste and improve transparency. By providing real-time information about product freshness rather than relying solely on printed date labels, these technologies may help processors, retailers, and consumers make more informed decisions while …
The 2026 International Cheese & Dairy Awards recognized exceptional cheesemakers from around the world, with U.S. producers earning numerous awards across a wide range of cheese categories. The results highlight the continued focus on quality, craftsmanship, and product innovation that helps dairy manufacturers compete on the global stage.
New analysis of the 2026 dairy economy suggests that protein demand, GLP-1 weight-loss medications, and beef-on-dairy genetics are reshaping how dairy producers and processors generate value. According to Ever.Ag President Phil Plourd, revenue streams that were once considered secondary, including whey proteins and beef-cross calves, have become major drivers of profitability across …
New research from Farm Journal and insights from the 2026 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook suggest that biosecurity is becoming a critical business priority for dairy producers. While global dairy feed demand continues to grow, disease threats, supply chain disruptions, and trade restrictions are reshaping how the industry defines success. The findings reveal significant …
Major cheese manufacturers across the United States continue to invest in new capacity, automation, and processing infrastructure as demand for cheese and dairy proteins remains strong. Recent expansion projects by Leprino Foods, Grande Cheese Company, Meister Cheese Company, and Valley Queen Cheese highlight a broader industry trend toward larger-scale production, increased efficiency, …
June Dairy Month 2026 is visible nationwide with a range of initiatives that reflect the evolving ways dairy organizations, farmers, processors and allied groups are engaging consumers, supporting communities and highlighting the industry’s economic and nutritional role.
In Wisconsin, state leaders and industry groups are emphasizing dairy’s outsized economic footprint and global reach. A commentary …
Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for dairy product development, helping processors analyze data, evaluate ingredient interactions, and accelerate formulation work. While dairy innovation has traditionally relied on experience and trial-and-error testing, AI is increasingly being used to identify opportunities, improve efficiency, and help bring new products to market faster.
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), has selected 10 small and medium dairy businesses across the Midwest to receive over $46,000 in grants through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA).
“Consumers are developing a taste for diverse, specialty dairy …
As demand grows for products that combine nutrition, functionality, and flavor, dairy ingredients are being used in increasingly specialized applications beyond traditional protein-focused products. From bioactive whey components to functional milk fats and carbohydrates, processors are exploring new ways to enhance texture, nutrition, shelf life, and overall product performance while meeting evolving …
As consumer interest in ingredient transparency and minimally processed foods continues to grow, clearer definitions around cheese categories may become increasingly important across the dairy industry. The proposed CURD Act reflects broader efforts to improve consistency in labeling, regulatory interpretation, and consumer understanding while maintaining existing production and labeling frameworks.