Cheese continues to hold a strong place in American diets, but new consumer research provides a closer look at why people choose it, how they eat it and which varieties they enjoy. A nationwide survey of 5,000 Americans found that cheese appeals to consumers for more than taste alone, with convenience, comfort, …
As GLP-1 use grows, changing eating habits may create new opportunities for dairy manufacturers. Consumers using these medications are increasingly prioritizing smaller portions, higher protein, lower sugar, digestive health and nutrient-dense foods, putting products such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir and dairy-based protein beverages in a strong position to meet evolving …
Why it is becoming a competitive advantage for food and beverage brands.
No two fingerprints are alike — and no two cows are, either. One of the biggest challenges in sourcing and traceability of dairy ingredients begins at the primary source itself, milk. Whether crafting a milk-based beverage, cheese, a frozen dairy treat or dairy-derived …
As food manufacturers respond to growing product variety, labor shortages, and increasing food safety expectations, production flexibility is becoming just as important as throughput. Rather than replacing entire production lines, many processors are investing in targeted automation and modular equipment upgrades that improve efficiency, simplify changeovers, and help maintain consistent product quality …
Consumer demand for clean-label dairy products continues to influence product development across the industry. As processors work to simplify ingredient lists, reduce sugar, replace synthetic additives, and maintain product quality, reformulation is becoming an increasingly important part of dairy innovation. Successfully meeting these expectations often requires balancing consumer preferences with ingredient functionality, …
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, …