APRIL 2024 vol. 125 no. 4
IN THIS ISSUE
PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
The prospect of cybercrime remains a never-ending, and increasingly dangerous, threat to dairy processors. Dairy processors are facing more cyberthreats and risks than ever before.
INSIDE THE PLANT
Prairie Farms Dairy is a large dairy co-op with 47 plants in 18 states, The 95,000-square-foot plant in Carbondale, Ill., (pictured above) makes cultured dairy products, including cottage cheese, sour cream and dips.
INGREDIENT TECHNOLOGIES
Prebiotics — as well as probiotics and postbiotics — continue to grow. The growing awareness of the health benefits of prebiotics, such as improved gut health and overall digestive function, and increased consumption of functional dairy products is anticipated to boost the growth of the global market.
OUTLOOK REPORT
Natural cheese recently surpassed milk as No. 1 among dairy categories in terms of private-label dollar sales, reaching $9.5 billion for the year ending Jan. 28, according to Circana. However, although dairy milk private-label sales were down year over year, it is important to note it still holds the No. 2 spot, accounting for $9 billion in private-label sales for the same timeframe.
Processor PROFILE
Founded in 1938, Prairie Farms’ farm-to-table values, its support of hardworking local farmers and 7,000 team members all have one important thing in common: a passion to feeding American families with the freshest, most nutritious and delicious dairy products.
FEATURES
DAIRY FOODS EXTRA
With PROOF Hard Ice Cream currently expanding at a blazing pace, corporate executives acknowledge they will soon outgrow its 4,000-square-foot South Carolina plant.
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
South Carolina is perhaps where the next great dairy segment has been born: alcohol-infused ice cream. At the forefront of the alcohol-infused ice cream movement is PROOF Hard Ice Cream, led by Jennifer Randall, co-founder and CEO, and Dirk Brown, co-founder and chairman, who founded the start-up in 2014.
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Market Trends
Cheese continues its run as perhaps the strongest segment in the dairy industry. According to Chicago-based market research firm Circana, most subcategories enjoyed year-over-year dollar sales and unit gains for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 28.
Eat. Drink. Dairy.
Häagen-Dazs reimagines two fan favorites; Yaza’s Mediterranean labneh great for spreading and dipping; Oatly brings flavor to one’s Cup of Joe.
"Let’s Talk Dairy" Podcast
Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California, joins us for Episode 39 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast to discuss animal-free dairy.
OPERATIONS
Dairy Foods Extra
In the wake of COVID-19, industries worldwide faced unprecedented challenges, and the dairy sector was no exception. However, this industry’s response showcases a remarkable journey of resilience, innovation and strategic adaptation, particularly regarding supply chain management, states PMMI’s Jorge Izquierdo.
Equipment Showcase
We highlight the latest innovations in fillers and capping solutions.
INGREDIENTS/R&D
Health & Wellness
In recent years, there has been increased emphasis on plant-based diets, and plant protein supplements abound in the marketplace. Many plant proteins claim to be “complete proteins” because they contain all of the essential amino acids (EAAs). However, to qualify as a complete protein, the essential amino acids must be present in adequate quantities, states Sharon Gerdes.
Tharp & Young
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations outlines requirements and considerations related to the labeling of foods, including ice cream and frozen desserts. This includes the principal display panel of the food, net weight labeling/considerations, ingredient labeling, nutrition facts labeling, nutrient content claims, and any health-related claims. Bill Sipple and Steve Young, Ph.D., explain what this all means.
Cheese Doctor
Today, 640-pound cheese blocks are still widely produced and utilized in the dairy industry and while they have their advantages, they also pose challenges, states John Lucey. These challenges include variable moisture levels throughout the block of cheese, which results in inconsistent texture and flavor development throughout the block or barrel.
Ingredient Showcase
Dairy Foods provides the latest solutions in natural color ingredients.