Written in the first person by Dairy Foods editor Brian Berk, this below pulls together the dairy trend signals he’s hearing most often heading into 2026. A clear theme runs through the predictions: consumers expect stronger functional benefits, greater transparency, and more purposeful innovation from dairy brands. Areas highlighted include stronger momentum …
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), proud host of the World Championship Cheese Contest®, announced the distinguished panel of 56 dairy industry experts selected to evaluate an impressive 3,375 entries at the 2026 competition.
Dairy manufacturers in 25 countries, 33 U.S. states, and Puerto Rico have submitted their products in competition for the coveted title …
As prepared foods, grab-and-go items, and heat-and-eat offerings continue to grow, packaging is becoming a more visible cue for food safety, product quality, and overall reliability. For dairy and cheese processors, packaging is no longer just a protective layer. It plays a direct role in shelf trust, shrink reduction, and brand confidence …
Rising demand for protein is emerging as a long-term growth driver for the U.S. dairy industry, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. Consumer interest in protein forward foods is expanding across age groups and food categories, reaching well beyond traditional dairy into snacks, beverages, and functional foods.
New dietary …
The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program will have $11 million-plus to support dairy businesses, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Jan. 21.
The federal grant program backs four regional centers, such as the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), covering initiatives that focus on developing small- and mid-sized dairy companies. It pays special …
Sustainability, wellness, texture and protein are among the trends to keep an eye on in the cheese industry this year, per Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW).
The organization’s annual Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report explores how science, sustainability and creativity are shaping the future of dairy, and how the state’s cheesemakers are turning bold ideas into tangible progress.…
Wisconsin Cheese launched Wedges of Love, a curated selection of nine award-winning Wisconsin cheeses that can be ordered for delivery by Valentine’s Day this year. Presented in keepsake packaging arranged to resemble a bouquet and paired with a personalized poem for the recipient, the collection draws on Wisconsin’s 185-year cheesemaking tradition and reflects the …
Babybel announced its first music collaboration with award-winning record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer, Timbaland.
This partnership led to Mini Wax Tracks, one of the biggest mini-sized music drops ever, according to Babybel. Babybel and Timbaland have reimagined the brand’s song, “I’m Your Baby,” transforming it into two exclusive pop and EDM remixes. The tracks …
The 2026 Dairy Trends Report from IFF highlights five interconnected trends reshaping the dairy landscape, led by a shift toward considered consumption and holistic health. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that deliver multifunctional benefits, align with social and environmental values, and combine wellness with enjoyment, signaling evolving priorities in nutritional quality, sustainability, …
The dairy industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with innovations spanning from farm to factory to fridge. From cutting-edge high-pressure processing to AI-driven pasture management, these advancements are not just boosting supply chain efficiency but also driving sustainability and safety. FoodBev’s Siân Yates finds out how dairy manufacturers can harness the latest technologies to stay …