Processing & Packaging

Dr José Herrera, Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Malta, joined Muscat at the ECMA Congress. Photo: ECMA.

ECMA Congress 2019

Malta PM: ‘We were more prepared for the Millennium Bug than Brexit’

By Jenny Eagle

‘Your guess is as good as mine on Brexit’, said Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minster of Malta, at the opening of the ECMA Congress 2019 last week (September 19-20), ‘But what is obvious, is during the next few days there needs to be a meaningful engagement’.

Producing the Plant Butter generates less than half the greenhouse gas emissions that producing dairy butter does.

Country Crock introduces butter alternative

By Beth Newhart

After 30 years of manufacturing plant oil ‘buttery spreads,’ Country Crock has introduced a line of certified dairy-free spreads and sticks products.

“For people who don’t really know dairy, it’s a bit of a hard sell to convince them of the problem of acid whey.

Capro-X reimagines Greek yogurt waste

By Beth Newhart

Each cup of Greek yogurt generates more than three cups of acid whey waste, which is expensive to dispose of sustainably. Startup Capro-X says it offers more cost-effective, creative solutions to the problem.

Halo Top acquired by Blue Bunny producer

By Beth Newhart

Wells Enterprises has announced its purchase of light ice cream company Halo Top. Wells already manufactures popular dessert brands like Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop and Chilly Cow.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019 and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2019 take place Sept. 23–25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

What's new at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019?

By Jim Cornall

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019 (Sept. 23–25; Las Vegas Convention Center) co-located with Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2019, will unite machinery suppliers together with end users across vertical industries for the largest packaging event of the year.

 “We want an ongoing relationship with China. We are in this for the long haul.

USDEC positive after China visit in spite of new tariffs

By Beth Newhart

Over the weekend, US president Donald Trump put into effect a new round of tariffs on Chinese goods, while the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) visited Chinese officials to preserve its relationship with China.

“There has not been an innovation in shelf-stable milk for years.

Maple Hill launches milk in SIG cartons

By Beth Newhart

For the first time, Maple Hill Creamery will offer its organic, grass-fed milk in single serve SIG carton packs that have ‘minimal impact’ on the environment.

The pending location in south central Idaho is considered the heart of the state's dairy industry. Pics: The University of Idaho

Largest US research dairy set for Idaho

By Beth Newhart

The University of Idaho has planned the largest research dairy in the US, set to break ground in 2021. A demonstration farm and agro-tourism center will accompany the 2,000-cow dairy on Idaho’s campus.

Milk Specialities vows to take new sustainability action

By Beth Newhart

Dairy protein ingredients company Milk Specialties Global has released its first corporate social responsibility report, outlining new tactics for how it will reduce its carbon footprint and recycle water.

Large scale operations in new areas are driving US milk production. Pic: Getty/Yauhen Akulich

Are Idaho and Texas the future of US dairy?

By Beth Newhart

More milk production is happening on fewer farms, and large-scale operations have expanded into non-traditional markets. Rabobank’s latest report on the changing US dairy landscape examines the biggest challenges.

“It is vital that consumers have transparency and awareness of the quality dairy products available to them.

‘Mozzarella’ protected for global cheese use

By Beth Newhart

The European Union’s effort to take sole ownership of common cheese terms based on origin has ended in an agreement, protecting the fate of ‘mozzarella’ around the world.

Dairy Dialog podcast 45: Rabobank and Pack Expo

Dairy Dialog podcast 45: Rabobank and Pack Expo

By Jim Cornall

The podcast this week features two interviews. The first is with Thomas Bailey, executive director of dairy research at Rabobank North America, talking about Rabobank’s latest report, ‘Making Milk Cool Again.’

“Everyone’s trying to crack the code--how do we get American dairy consumption to keep rising?

Wünder expands US quark options in a sparse market

By Beth Newhart

The curdled, cultured dairy product quark has a huge presence in Europe and Asia, but little to no competition in the US. For five years, Wünder Creamery has been trying to change that.

“We expect to see further growth from acquisitions, with a long-awaited shift in the top three of the global ranking likely.

Rabobank publishes Dairy Top 20

By Beth Newhart

Nestlé, Lactalis and Danone continue leading the global dairy industry, but could see some shakeups in the future, according to a new analysis from Rabobank.

Alfa Laval OptiLobe rotary lobe pumps. Pic: Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval launches new Optilobe rotary lobe pumps

By Jim Cornall

Alfa Laval has launched OptiLobe rotary lobe pumps, which the company says are cost-effective, reliable and versatile alternatives for general applications requiring gentle product treatment and easy serviceability.

DBA ‘policy picnics’ bolster member engagement

DBA ‘policy picnics’ bolster member engagement

By Beth Newhart

This summer, the Dairy Business Association (DBA) has hosted ‘policy picnics’ in collaboration with the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. The member events brings together the dairy community during a time of economic stress.

The St. Albans board of directors will become part of DFA’s Northeast Area Council. Pic: Getty/Georgy Rozov / EyeEm

DFA closes merger with St. Albans Co-op

By Beth Newhart

The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) started the process of merging with the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in June; the deal closes this week.

Grupo Lala has been setting its sights on more premium products, like Promised Land's high-protein and high-calcium milk.

Grupo Lala’s Q2 shows growth in US premium products

By Beth Newhart

Mexican dairy producer Grupo Lala's 2019 second quarter sales netted 14,467m pesos ($758m) in Mexico, a 3.9% increase from Q2 2018. The company cited “innovation and an improved mix” of its ‘value-added dairy’ offerings as reason for the jump.