Dairy Processing

BURLINGTON, VT. — Ben & Jerry’s leaned into summer this year by rolling out new novelties. The Magnum Ice Cream Company brand shared that each of its new Ice Cream Bars – available in Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake, PB Pretzel and Caramel Blondie flavors – are dipped in a “chocolatey coating” with cookie pieces. The company noted that PB Pretzel and Caramel Blondie are completely new flavor creations from Ben & Jerry’s.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing impact on food science will be unmistakable this year when the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) welcomes thousands of attendees to its IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo at McCormick Place, in Chicago. In fact, the nonprofit scientific association developed much of the July 12-15 show around AI and how it is advancing health-driven food innovation, as well as sustainability and food security.

LA VALLE, WIS. — Four decades ago this year, when master cheesemaker Sid Cook bought Carr Valley Cheese, cheddar production centered around traditional, bandage-wrapped cheddars — daisies and flats — made using time-honored methods. That heritage continues to shape everything Carr Valley does today, said Elle (Fearing) Williams, the company’s director of sales and brand development.

KAUKAUNA, WIS. — Demand for specialty cheddar is growing as more people learn that quality aged cheddar is a real thing – and that it can be bought for a reasonable price. “Consumers only have so much money to spend as the cost of groceries continues to increase, so finding a product that doesn’t break the bank” is crucial, said Kate Steward, president and chief executive officer at Wisconsin Aging & Grading (WAG) Cheese, Inc.

ARDEN HILLS, MINN. — Amid climbing demand for protein, Land O’Lakes, Inc. plans to expand its dairy processing facility in Tulare, Calif., where the investment will add ultra-filtered production to the company’s capabilities.

CHICAGO — PepsiCo, Inc. innovators at Quaker Oats formulated a new take on protein shakes. The company unveiled its Quaker Oat Shake & Go – a whole grain oat shake that may be mixed with any beverage that a consumer chooses. Each shake contains 15 grams of protein, 16 grams of whole grains and 3 grams of fiber per serving. The company noted if one of the shakes is prepared with an 8 oz serving of milk, the beverage delivers 23 grams of protein per serving.

CINCINNATI — United Dairy Farmers, Inc. (UDF) partnered with Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz to create a limited-time ice cream flavor for the heat of the summer and the heart of the baseball season. Inspired by De La Cruz's favorite ice cream, the new Dulce De La Cruz flavor from Homemade Brand arrived at select grocery locations during the first week of July. UDF shared that the variety, a take on Dulce De Leche, features caramel ice cream with swirls of caramel sauce.

SERTÃOZINHO, BRAZIL — International packaging solutions supplier Amcor partnered with Brazilian processor Barra Mansa Alimentos to install Amcor’s Moda rotary vacuum chamber sealing equipment in Brazil for the first time. Amcor called the project an important step in the company’s “commitment to one of the region’s fastest-growing protein markets,” as Amcor invests in advanced packaging technologies and other key manufacturing aspects to strengthen its position.

PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit against 11 US food and beverage manufacturers by a Philadelphia man who claimed their “ultra-processed food” (UPF) products led to his diagnosis with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as a teen.

SHULLSBURG, WIS. — Roelli Cheese Haus specializes in premium products for high-end grocers. But that doesn’t mean the company isn’t highly conscious of the fact that a majority of Americans are worried about high food prices, said Chris Roelli, fourth-generation master cheesemaker at the company. Most of the company’s cheeses are sold in quarter- or half-lb pieces. Keeping the size down keeps the price down, and many specialty cheese consumers find tremendous value in that.