Dairy Processing

Consumers want more from every sip they take today. Beverages no longer quench thirst and help one stay hydrated, they also play active roles in aspirational health and longevity. “Consumers are asking, ‘What else is in there?’” said Mayuresh Bedekar, senior director of global product strategy-bioactives and dairy nutrition for Glanbia Nutritionals.

STOUGHTON, WIS. — Emmi Roth brought home two awards for its cheeses during the 2026 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Products Contest. Roth Grand Cru Surchoix captured first place in the open class hard cheese category, and Roth Creamy Havarti earned third in the brick, Muenster, Havarti category. Grand Cru Surchoix is handmade in traditional copper vats and aged in Emmi Roth’s cellars under the careful watch of cellarmasters.

MADISON, WIS. — The work being done in the dairy processing sector by four companies earned each of them a 2026 Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) Member Impact Award. WCMA created the awards to honor association members for their contributions in four specific areas. This year’s award winners are: • Kerry – WCMA Advocate of the Year • Sigma Foods – WCMA Employer of the Year • Nelson-Jameson, Inc.

WEBSTER, NY — The initial ramp up of production at the new Fairlife facility in upstate New York is under way, with the 745,000-square-foot plant expected to be fully operational later this year. The ultrafiltered milk manufacturer, part of The Coca-Cola Company, celebrated the progress Aug. 20 with a ribbon-cutting celebration that drew New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and other area politicians and business people to Webster, NY.

BURLINGTON, VT. — Ben & Jerry’s introduced Aug. 26 three new independent directors who were appointed to the company’s board of directors: Free Press senior counsel and director of digital justice and civil rights Nora Benavidez, PolicyLink chief executive officer Michael McAfee, and Friends of the San Juans executive director Eva Schulte.

DENVER – New product innovation abounded at the Newtopia Now tradeshow this year. Exhibitors ranged from startups not yet in the market to established brands promoting new concepts ready for market. But as one speaker noted, there is a wide divide between being consumer ready versus retail ready. Several brands stood out at the show. For example, early-stage brand Lil’ Melts, Austin, Texas, showcased its beef tallow cooking cubes.

WILMINGTON, NC. — With consumers turning to functional beverages, private label manufacturers are benefiting from the trend by helping their clients succeed in the category. FedUp Foods, one of the largest private label fermented and functional beverage manufacturers in the United States, has had positive experiences with transforming product concepts into market results.

CINCINNATI — Summer may not be over yet, but Graeter’s Ice Cream did not want to wait until the fall to roll out its newest seasonal flavor. The craft ice cream maker plans to get a jump on autumn not only by bringing back its Harvest Pumpkin flavor but also debuting its new Apple Strudel variety.

CHICAGO — Demand for convenient, flavor-forward foods and beverages continues to grow, with popping boba proving to be an attractive, easy approach to adding a new experience to menus. Retail packaged products containing popping boba also are now showing up on shelf due to ingredient suppliers investing in technologies to create different types of boba balls that can withstand food and beverage manufacturing.

MILWAUKEE — Blue cheese maker Treasure Cave began gearing up for the upcoming football season by growing its retail presence and highlighting how its products complement one of football fans’ favorite foods – wings. The cave-aged blue cheese company shared that six of its products are now available at Tops Friendly Markets in the Northeast.