Markets

Ice cold: winter ice cream round-up

Ice cold: winter ice cream round-up

By Beth Newhart

Freezing temps across the US haven’t discouraged ice cream brands from expanding their portfolios. From boozy flavors to low-cal pops, here are the freshest launches within the US frozen dessert category.

Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh, Chairman Jan Toft Nørgaard and CFO Natalie Knight answer questions at the 2018 annual results press conference.

Arla pays out all 2018 profits to farmers

By Beth Newhart

In its 2018 wrap-up report, Arla Foods announced that it would pay out its full net profit for 2018 of €290m ($329m) to farmers. It also discussed the progress of in-house cost-savings program Calcium and pending sustainability efforts.

General Mills expects the plant closure to cost roughly $130m.

General Mills to shutter yogurt plant in California

By Beth Newhart

General Mills is focusing on ‘restructuring actions’ in its yogurt business and closing a facility in Carson, Calif. The company also reaffirmed its end-of-year financial targets at an investor conference in New York.

NMPF writes letter of support to Chobani in plant-based debate

By Beth Newhart

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) president and CEO Jim Mulhern wrote a letter this week to Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO of Chobani. It expressed support of Chobani’s position in the ongoing debate of plant-based foods using dairy terms in labeling.

As GHG emissions go down, butter prices could go up

By Beth Newhart

The EU uses environmentally friendly fuels like ethanol and biodiesel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). But the vegetable oils that make up EU biodiesel are facing high demand and a higher carbon tax, resulting in price increases for butter.

Governor of Washington Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency with more snow on the way. Pic: ©GettyImages/Kayla Teske

1,600 dairy cows are dead after Washington blizzard

By Beth Newhart

The Dairy Farmers of Washington (DFW) has reported that more than 1,600 cows perished during an unusually heavy snowstorm in the Yakima Valley region of Washington State. The significant loss further burdens an already-struggling industry.

Small or marginal holdings make achieving efficiencies through economies of scale more difficult, particularly when they rely on old techniques. Pic: ©Getty Images/RakeshPicholiya

Much touted mantra has good intentions but Indian dairy has already been moving on

Can India double dairy farmers’ incomes in three years?

By Richard Whitehead

The phrase “doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022” is in danger of toppling “Jai Hind” as India’s most popular rally call. From bag carriers to the prime minister himself, anyone who matters has been seen uttering the line often and with great meaning.

Bipartisan whole milk bill draws support from the northeast

By Beth Newhart

US Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson (D-MN) introduced a new bill last month that would increase milk options in school lunches. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2019 (H.R. 832) is starting...

Country music singer Kellie Pickler kicked off the race and met with fans at the finish line.

Silk pushed ‘healthy progress’ on the Grammy’s red carpet

By Beth Newhart

Ahead of last weekend’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Danone North America and Silk facilitated a 7K ‘fun run’ using a four mile-long red carpet. The dairy alternative’s new ‘Progress is Perfection’ campaign encourages non-dairy swaps and setting ‘wellness...

The yogurt meals were all tested in a school production kitchen and taste-tested by students.

New yogurt-based recipes chosen for school lunch program

By Beth Newhart

Danone North America and the Chef Ann Foundation (CAF) have chosen 12 yogurt-based foods submitted by school districts across the country. Yogurt is considered a meat alternate in school meals and services the growing popularity of vegetarian diets.

Overall US cheese production likely reached 13 billion pounds in 2018. Pic: ©GettyImages/ShotShare

US cheese surplus not an 'unusually enormous amount'

By Beth Newhart

Last month, the American Dairy Coalition (ADC) called attention to the record 1.4 billion pounds of surplus cheese currently in US cold storage. But it may not have a simple solution, or even be as big of a problem as the public thinks.

Moo Money points can be earned now through April 28 and dairy alternatives are not eligible.

California residents can now earn rewards for buying milk

By Beth Newhart

The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB) has announced a new loyalty program that will allow California residents to accrue rewards from buying fluid milk products. ‘Moo Money’ will run through April.

The organized dairy market, where Danone and Lactalis play, is dominated by cooperatives in almost every state. Pic: ©Getty Images/polybutmono

Powerful establishment has the cards stacked in its favor through margins and scale

India’s dairy market may not be as attractive as it seems, despite two deals in a month

By Richard Whitehead

Two multinationals have already invested in Indian dairy this year, with January still in play. By such a measure it would appear that the subcontinent market is an attractive place, but foreign majors still have their work cut out for them.

Are consumers really confused by dairy alternative names? Pic: ©GettyImages/byheaven

Plant-based labels argument continues

By Beth Newhart

In 2018 the FDA committed to looking into the arguments surrounding plant-based dairy alternative product labels using dairy terms. The agency collected public input on the debate until January 25.

“People just have to be willing to take 60 seconds to make it.

Modest Mylk ditches the carton for sustainable nut beverage bases

By Beth Newhart

A new make-your-own nut-based milk alternative is hitting the market this month. Modest Mylk is a nut paste sold in glass jars designed to blend with water into a ‘milk-like’ beverage, which the company says is more sustainable and affordable than conventional...

It is estimated that only about 13% of the milk produced by Australian dairy farms ends up as fresh milk. Pic: ©Getty Images/petej

‘Australian supermarket wars could put half of suppliers out of business’

Eight years on, one dollar milk is still crippling farmers

By Richard Whitehead

Exactly eight years ago, Australian supermarkets began selling a liter of milk for one dollar (72 US cents). As farmers are getting ready for Australia Day anniversary, the industry continues to reel.

Out-of-the-box flavors and ingredients are carving out space in healthy dairy products from cheese to beverages.

Latest trends in specialty foods at WFFS

By Beth Newhart

The Winter Fancy Food Show (WWFS) last week featured 1,400 companies and more than 25,000 attendees looking out for the latest trends in food and drink. More functional and plant-based CPGs are on the dairy horizon for 2019.

Irish dairy products showed the best export volume growth in 2018.

Irish dairy exports to the UK grow despite Brexit concerns

By Jim Cornall

Despite a year of global volatility, involving political uncertainty with Brexit, extreme weather events and continuing currency fluctuations, the value of Irish food, drink and horticulture exports to the UK market reached €4.5bn ($5.1bn), an increase...

Chobani dips into non-dairy with new coconut-based line

By Beth Newhart

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has jumped on the popular plant-based wave and introduced a line of non-dairy yogurt alternative drink and cup products. It follows last month’s announcement of Chobani’s significant expansion into kids’ yogurt.

Cargill reports a 20% earnings loss in Q2

By Beth Newhart

Cargill took a hit in its second quarter with a 20% drop in net earnings compared to the year-ago period. It cited a ‘world of uncertainty’ affected by the struggling US dairy industry and lingering trade wars throughout 2018.

Retail sales volumes of all key dairy categories have declined in the US since 2017, excluding natural cheese. Pic: ©GettyImages/sergeyryzhov

Tight margins and bad weather affected 2018 global milk production

By Beth Newhart

Rabobank has published its Dairy Q4 Quarterly report, which states the US saw just 1% growth in milk production in 2018, the lowest year-on-year (YOY) growth since 2013. Milk production was also down in the EU and Australia last year, but rose in New...

FrieslandCampina acquires second US company

By Beth Newhart

The Dutch Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., a global dairy brand, closes out a busy December with the announcement that it has acquired Best Cheese Corporation USA, importer and vendor of specialty cheeses. It’s the second US company it has picked up this...

“This bill is a strong start to addressing the issues our producers are facing right now, particularly our dairy farmers.

Pending farm bill has big implications for dairy

By Beth Newhart

The US is close to passing a landmark $867bn farm bill after months of negotiation and compromise. It has already passed the Senate and the House and is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump within the coming days.

The region has some powerful reasons to attract Chinese companies. Pic: ©Getty Images/PytyCzech

Thailand and Indonesia in particular will take over from 10-year antipodean foray

SE Asia’s perfect storm of factors lures Chinese dairy investment

By Richard Whitehead

Dominating the news headlines twice in one week is not something done often by dairy majors anywhere in the world, never mind Southeast Asia. But Chinese dairy giants have now signaled their intent to set up a major presence in a region ranked the world’s...

“Ice cream is the perfect vehicle for innovative flavors and ingredients, not only being neutral by its nature but also an object of craving and an indulgent treat that doesn’t break the bank.

Trend alert: Traditional dairy takes a cue from culinary trends

By Beth Newhart

The dairy industry has room to grow in 2019 and consumers can expect to see launches that reflect popular culinary-inspired trends seen in other food categories. Premium indulgence, sophisticated flavors and a global influence will all find a place in...

Agropur will close its only plant that produces goat cheese next year. Pic: ©GettyImages/5PH

Agropur in talks with Quebec Goat Milk Producers

By Beth Newhart

Just two months after Agropur announced it will close its goat cheese-producing plant in Saint-Damase, it has engaged in discussions with Quebec Goat Milk Producers about an undisclosed deal.

The trade deal won't take immediate effect and must be ratified by each country's government. Pic: ©GettyImages/Bet_Noire

Dairy industry reacts to North American leaders signing USMCA deal

By Beth Newhart

After months of back-and-forth and a tumultuous summer of trade disputes between the US, Canada and Mexico, the three North American nations have officially signed the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), dismantling the previous North American Free Trade...

Packaging and product innovations are allowing for a longer shelf life and healthy products to be sold in convenience channels. Pic: ©GettyImages/DmitriMaruta

State of the industry: How Greek yogurt keeps customers coming back

By Beth Newhart

Greek yogurt still accounts for half the total yogurt category. After explosive growth in the US throughout the last decade, Greek yogurt brands are innovating however they can to keep consumers interested in the high-protein snack, taking cues from wider...

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