Pricing Pressures

Growing populations, westernization of diets and a preference for full-fat dairy are driving global cheese growth. Pic: Getty/Михаил Руденко

Winners and losers in a decade of global cheese trade

By Beth Newhart

More out of market investments and a strong US production base are bolstering cheese growth. Rabobank took a look at the global cheese market since 2010 in a recent report, and predicted what’s to come.

Müller will determine measures to be taken once a review has been undertaken.

Müller looking into Scottish milk surplus

By Jim Cornall

UK milk processor Müller Milk & Ingredients has warned Scottish dairy farmers who supply the company that a 25% surge in farm milk production, which is not supported by growth in demand for fresh milk products in Scotland, is not sustainable and has...

Trade tensions between the US and China have finally started to ease, but US consumers might see the tariffs reflected in retail prices soon. Pic: Getty/Lumineux_Images

Dairy prepares for potential 2020 recession

By Beth Newhart

Global dairy markets are expected to remain firm through mid-2020, but Rabobank predicts that the second half of the year will be tighter in the face of a possible global recession.

“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.

 “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.

TINE said it is looking to streamline operations to save about $110m.

Jobs to go as TINE says it must change

By Jim Cornall

Norwegian dairy cooperative TINE SA said it will undergo “significant changes” over the next three years – including the loss of around 400 jobs – as the company faces major changes with the loss of Jarlsberg exports, tougher competition and changes in...

Concerns are growing over a no-deal Brexit's effect on the agriculture industry. Pic: ©Getty Images/Issaurinko

UK cheese exports could be hit with tariffs in no-deal Brexit

By Jim Cornall

Britain’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for an urgent review of the government’s no-deal trade tariff policy that would come into effect if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

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.

MOIC NYC is the ‘first of several’ flagship locations to launch across the US and abroad over the next 18 months.

The Museum of Ice Cream returns to NYC

By Beth Newhart

After years of pop-ups and limited runs, the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) is putting down roots in NYC with a three-story flagship. Its first permanent location opened in San Francisco in 2017.

“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.

Under Shenzhen Stock Exchange rules it is only possible to sell up to 1% every 90 days directly on the exchange, or up to 2% in a single block every 90 days. Pic: ©Getty Images/lzf

Fonterra trying to sell Beingmate shares

By Jim Cornall

New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra says it is going to sell a portion of its stake in Beingmate Baby & Child Food Company Ltd, which is currently a shareholding of 18.8%.

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.

“The details we announced today ensure farmers will not stand alone in facing unjustified retaliatory tariffs.

USDA releases new farm aid details

By Beth Newhart

A $16bn aid package for US farmers was first announced in May. Last week Secretary Sonny Perdue gave more details about how and when the funding will be divided up.

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.

Hochdorf took over Bimbosan in 2018 as it focuses on its baby care division.

Hochdorf realigns business

By Jim Cornall

Following its Annual General Meeting on April 12, 2019, the Board of Directors of Swiss dairy company Hochdorf Holding Ltd, together with the senior management team, has reviewed the Group's direction and the positioning of its subsidiaries.

DFA chose its accelerator startups based on innovation potential and

DFA wraps up accelerator and merger deal

By Beth Newhart

In late June the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) started a merger with St. Albans Cooperative Creamery. It also held the Demo Day for six agriculture and dairy startups in its third annual accelerator.

The report says the biggest opportunity to re-balance and improve margins throughout the chain is the removal of over-capacity to match capacity to demand.

Kite Consulting report concerned by risk of UK dairy instability

By Jim Cornall

Kite Consulting has launched “The Future of the Liquid Milk Processing Sector” – a report containing an analysis of the sector that considers the short and long-term challenges it faces and what farmers need to be aware of when planning their long-term...

Saputo has made five acquisitions in the last 13 months, bumping up its revenue. Pic: Getty/haurashko_ksu

Saputo’s annual revenue jumps 17% after three acquisitions

By Beth Newhart

Saputo Inc. reported its latest fourth quarter and fiscal year results, ending March 31. It completed a series of acquisitions last year that contributed to higher revenue, while low cheese prices and struggles with the Canadian dollar hurt overall earnings.

Synlait said its forecast relies on pricing remaining robust throughout the season. Pic: ©Getty Images/pavlinec

Synlait sets 2019/20 forecast milk price

By Jim Cornall

New Zealand dairy company Synlait Milk has set its opening forecast base milk price for the upcoming 2019/2020 season at NZ$7.00 kgMS (US$4.58).

Edge believes the aid will provide only partial and short-term relief for farmers. Pic: Getty/Annimei

USDA authorizes $16bn aid package for US farmers

By Beth Newhart

US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced ‘several actions’ to help farmers in the wake of the recent trade war with China, including $16bn in aid.

Without an agreement, America is in danger of being left behind in its fourth biggest market. Pic: ©Getty Images/Nelson_A_Ishikawa

Why the US needs to sign a trade deal with Japan

By Richard Whitehead

While America continues to wage its trade war against China with ever-inflating tariffs, it would be well advised to look at at trade agreements with another vitally important East Asian market.

Overall, global milk supply growth will likely remain flat through 2020. Pic: Getty/Tim Allen

US milk production drops in the midwest

By Beth Newhart

In the first quarter of 2019, US dairy production and exports were down compared to Q1 2018, particularly in the midwestern states. Globally, dairy is still dominated by a few key players and facing challenges from African Swine Fever.

Fonterra's Fixed Base Milk Price is a risk management tool that lets farmers lock in a set price for up to 70% of the season’s milk before it starts. Pic: ©Getty Images/petej

Fonterra announces fixed base milk price for 2019/20

By Jim Cornall

Fonterra farmers in Australia participating in the company’s Fixed Base Milk Price will be paid a guaranteed price of A$6.80 (US$4.74) per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) for a portion of their milk for the 2019/20 season.

Synlait has applauded the New Zealand government's sustainability initiative. Pic: ©Getty Images/PatrikStedrak

Synlait supports Zero Carbon Bill

By Jim Cornall

New Zealand dairy company Synlait has responded positively to the government's Zero Carbon Bill announcement, which includes new methane targets.