Markets

Coronavirus dominates the April dairy news. Pic: Maxum Foods

Maxum Foods issues April global dairy commodity update

By Jim Cornall

Dustin Boughton, procurement, at Maxum Foods, says dairy markets continue to experience deep impacts from COVID-19 through lockdowns of people in many major countries, disrupting trade and shutting large segments of the food market to consumers.

The EDA said it is looking for immediate action by the EU.

EDA ramps up pressure for activating Private Storage Aid

By Jim Cornall

The European Dairy Association (EDA) says it is shocked and concerned that EU Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski has not yet responded to its letter, and is counting on EU Member States at next Monday’s videoconference of the Special Committee on Agriculture...

DFA to purchase a portion of Dean Foods’ assets for $433m

By Beth Newhart

After several months of back and forth following the Dean Foods bankruptcy, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) co-op is acquiring a majority of its assets for $433m. Prairie Farms Dairy will also get a portion for $75m.

Will some of the empty shelves being seen due to stockpiling in the UK be repeated in Asia?

Major food shortages possible in Asia says FIA

By Jim Cornall

In light of the increasing number of nationwide lockdowns and border restrictions, Food Industry Asia (FIA) and the ASEAN Food and Beverage Alliance (AFBA), the regional associations representing Asia and ASEAN’s food and beverage (F&B) industries...

“In times like this, the resilience of the human spirit is more visible than ever. It’s incredibly uplifting to see so many businesses and individuals stepping up.

Dairy donates time, money and food to the coronavirus pandemic

By Beth Newhart

The coronavirus is upending businesses and economies around the world, and the dairy sector isn't immune. While some aspects of the industry need stability and assistance, others are able to share their wealth and give back.

DFA is re-evaluating its options to submit another bid by the deadline.

DFA is no longer confirmed to purchase Dean Foods

By Beth Newhart

Though it was announced last month that Dean Foods and the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) entered into an asset purchase agreement, that has been mutually terminated. The co-op is still in the running but is no longer the ‘stalking horse’ bidder.

The EDA is looking to the European Commission to act on several recommendations for dairy products.

EDA looks to keep dairy open despite coronavirus challenges

By Jim Cornall

In an open letter sent out to the EU Commission, European Parliament’s COM AGRI and EU Member States’ / UK Agricultural Counsellors, Alexander Anton, secretary general of the European Dairy Association (EDA), set out an assessment of the current situation...

“Do you provide paid sick leave for your employees? If not, will employees feel financially obligated to come to work even when sick?”

NMPF beefs up coronavirus resource website for dairy

By Beth Newhart

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in the US has set up a designated website for those in the dairy industry to utilize during the health crisis. It’s updating regularly with general information, work permit templates and multimedia resources.

Nutricima is being sold by PZ Cussons.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO set to buy Nutricima

By Jim Cornall

PZ Cussons Plc, a consumer products group, has announced further progress in respect of its Focus, Scale and Accelerate strategy with the proposed sale of its Nigerian dairy business, Nutricima, and completion of the previously announced sale of its Polish...

US lays out new COVID-19 guidelines for food industry

By Beth Newhart

The Trump Administration released a set of coronavirus guidelines for all Americans, with special provisions for critical infrastructure industries like food and beverage. Brands have been adapting this week to the new reality, while keeping employee...

Rabobank is lowering its 2020 US demand growth projections from 0.8% to 0.5%, as consumers quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pic: Getty/Chinnapong

The ripple effects of COVID-19: A look into global dairy

By Beth Newhart

Rabobank assesses how the ‘corona hangover’ will impact global dairy markets in its latest report. Demand in China is already starting to bounce back after its virus exposure seems to have peaked, while the US will suffer in the coming months as cases...

Clover Sonoma’s new packaging will be available on shelves this summer in its organic half gallon and quart milk cartons.

Clover Sonoma debuts fully renewable plant-based milk carton

By Beth Newhart

California-based dairy Clover Sonoma is making sustainability strides with the launch of a new milk carton made entirely from plant materials. It’s one of the first of its kind in the US and will hit shelves this summer.

Sproud has about half the sweetness of oat beverages and five-times the protein of soy and almond.

Swedish pea drinks make North American debut

By Beth Newhart

Following the worldwide success of oat drinks from Sweden, beverage company Sproud is looking to make peas the next big milk alternative protein source. After the postponement of Natural Products Expo West, it hits the North American market next month.

US dairy groups pressure Senate to act on labor reform

By Beth Newhart

After the House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA) late last year, dairy organizations are reminding the Senate why they feel it’s crucial to the future of agriculture labor. Young farmers are also speaking out for essential...

Containers and lids are what it’s used most for, though it adapts to any rigid container, like single serve yogurt cups or milk cartons. Pics: Muller Technology

Muller Technology debuts flexible M-Line robot

By Beth Newhart

A new automation line for thin-wall packaging is available now from Muller Technology. It accommodates multiple mold types and pitches and multiple cavitation for rigid containers.

Nuimarkets.com launched the DAO.EU marketplace in July 2017.

Müller joins dao.eu dairy marketplace

By Jim Cornall

Müller Milk & Ingredients will be offering some of its UK origin bulk dairy ingredients products (predominantly cream and butter) on the dao.eu marketplace on a regular basis from March 2, 2020.

RABDF and the NFU both expressed concerns over the new immigration policy.

Dairy farmers group slams UK government immigration proposals

By Jim Cornall

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is calling on the Government to amend its decision not to include dairy workers on the MAC shortage occupation list following the announcement of a new points-based immigration system.

“We are supporting dairy as it moves into a new era of data generation, management, integration, collaboration, and insight development that will improve efficiencies and increase profitability for producers.” Pic: SomaDetect

SomaDetect partners with Valley Agricultural Software

By Beth Newhart

Valley Agricultural Software’s (VAS) Software API will soon be integrated into SomaDetect’s data system. SomaDetect analyzes milk quality and herd health using light scattering technology.

A plant-based toddler formula and a cultured, lab-grown breastmilk are trending in US infant nutrition this week, Pic: Getty/kuppa_rock

Alternatives to traditional infant nutrition hit US market

By Beth Newhart

Market trends and unique consumer needs in infant nutrition have producers thinking outside the realms of tradition. New launches from Else Nutrition and Biomilq have recently hit the US, forming new categories.

Biotiful Dairy is the top-selling brand of the kefir manufacturers in the UK.

Tesco says kefir is niche no more

By Jim Cornall

UK retailer Tesco says that until recently, kefir was a niche dairy product in the UK - bought mainly by Eastern European shoppers, a region where it is very popular.