August 2025 vol. 126 no. 8
IN THIS ISSUE
Processing Tech
Heat exchangers are a vital component of the dairy processing industry, enabling producers to control the myriad temperatures needed throughout production of milk, cream, butter, cheese and many more dairy products.
Operations
Although some dairy processors are operated by large cooperatives with succession plans, while other family-run businesses have a next generation waiting in the wings, a large swath of business owners are confronted with concerns about the future. An effective succession plan helps you identify critical roles and create a pipeline of talent to
fill them.
Inside the Plant
Tillamook County Creamery Association’s (TCAA) first ice cream plant outside of its Oregon headquarters opened. Located in Decatur, Ill.,, the new facility marks an exciting step forward for the 116-year-old farmer-owned co-op’s national expansion plans.
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Eat. Drink. Dairy.
Friendly’s Ice Cream partners with Jonas Brothers; Kickin' Jalapeño Flavored Evaporated Milk brings fiery flavor; Clean-label protein snacking exemplified.
Market Trends
Saying that “butter is on a roll” may be a play on words, but it is definitely also the truth.
“Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast
Ludovic Meilhac, expert partner at McKinsey & Co., joins Dairy Foods for Episode 55 of the Let’s Talk Dairy podcast, where he discusses dairy trends.
OPERATIONS
3-A Today
With advancements in technology, traditional practices regarding surface finishes warrant reevaluation rather than blind adherence, Jason Tucker states. Modern analysis challenges these longstanding practices, raising the question: are industry standards leaving your dairy plant vulnerable to recalls or worse?
Washington Watch
Access to nutritious food is a critical contributor to positive health outcomes for all Americans. This is especially true for mothers, infants and young children who need the vitamins and nutrients that dairy products provide in order to grow and thrive, says IDFA’s J. David Carlin.
Equipment Showcase
We spotlight available conveyors and palletizers on the market today.
INGREDIENTS/R&D
Health and Wellness
As consumers search for high quality, nutritious and locally sourced food products to serve their families, artisan cheeses can be a great choice, says Mary Wilcox. Research on aged cheeses such as cheddar, gouda and Swiss has shown the presence of bioactive peptides, which can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and/or antihypertensive activities.
Cheese Doctor
Cheese is more than just a package of nutrients. The cheese structure or “matrix” is complex and during human digestion, the properties of this cheese matrix can impact how nutrients and other bioactive (meaning having an effect on the body) components are released and absorbed, says Dr. John Lucey.
Dairy Detective
With constant population growth, consumer expectations toward quality of food and its impact on nutrition and public health shift significantly. The food industry is now being pushed to produce more food with less technical and economical input, state Dipak Mehta, Ph.D., and Prateek Sharma, Ph.D.
Ingredient Showcase
Dairy Foods provides the latest offerings in flavors.
