Dairy-based ingredients

Chobani in talks with PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and others over sale of minority stake

13-Oct-2015 By Elaine WATSON

PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co are among large CPG firms in talks to invest in Chobani in a deal that would value the Greek yogurt manufacturer at as much as $3bn, including debt, according to Reuters.

Dairy Farmers of America breaks ground on Kansas milk powder plant

12-Oct-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has broken ground on a $235m milk powder plant in Garden City, Kansas.

Vermont Creamery’s aged goat cheese: ‘leap of faith’ turned growth engine

09-Oct-2015 By Maggie Hennessy

When Vermont Creamery debuted aged goat cheese 15 years ago, almost no one in the U.S. had heard of this French-style cheese with its telltale wrinkly rind and creamy interior. But the risk paid off, as the line is now the company’s fastest-growing, prompting...

'The Dietary Guidelines are not the appropriate vehicle for this important policy conversation about sustainability'

USDA, HHS: 2015 dietary guidelines won't factor in sustainability

07-Oct-2015 By Elaine Watson

Sustainability will not factor into the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, say the US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, prompting praise from the meat lobby and anger from environmental and consumer/health advocacy groups.

Trans Pacific Partnership conclusion on dairy 'far from perfect,' says Fonterra

06-Oct-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra has blamed the "entrenched protectionism" of the US dairy sector for the "far from perfect" conclusion to Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. 

Expo East in review

Flapjacked meets demand for more protein with easy-to-make pancake and muffin mixes

28-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

High protein, easy-to-eat foods are no longer limited to bars and shakes – now they can also be found in familiar baked goods that appeal to carb-loving consumers, thanks to companies like Flapjacked. 

Expo East in review

OTA aims to align supply, demand and farming profitability of organic by 2030

24-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of organic are skyrocketing in the U.S. with demand often outstripping supply, but the Organic Trade Association has a plan to bring into balance by 2030 the market growth, acreage growth and farming profitability of organic. 

60-second interview: Vicky Fligel, business development manager, Glanbia Nutritionals

Protein is hot, but customers are getting more discerning about the source and quality, says Glanbia Nutritionals

24-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Glanbia Nutritionals has expanded beyond its dairy roots to add pea, chia and flax protein concentrates to its portfolio to meet growing demand for vegan protein, says business development manager Vicky Fligel, who caught up with us for our special edition...

Protein trends

Blending soy and dairy proteins adds benefits for consumers, manufacturers, DuPont says

23-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Two sources of protein in a finished product are better than one when it comes to blending soy and dairy, according to DuPont Nutrition and Health.

Robert Kral: 'People want to build lean muscle without calories'

Protein water hits the mainstream as Protein2o rolls out at Walmart

18-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Protein2o – a rapidly-growing line of flavored waters infused with electrolytes and 15g of protein – is rolling out to 750 Walmart stores this month, says the firm, which is targeting consumers that are looking for more refreshing beverages that pack...

Special edition: Sports Nutrition

Protein powders: The heavyweight in the $16bn sports nutrition market

17-Sep-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The US market for sports nutrition plus energy/nutrition bars and sports drinks is set to cruise past $20 billion by 2020, says Euromonitor International, but which segments are driving growth, and how is the ‘regimentation of fitness’ influencing product...

Most eat breakfast at home, but fast-food could threaten CPGs, Instantly data suggests

16-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Food manufacturers can feel secure knowing that most consumers eat breakfast at or from home, but fast food chains are a competitive threat that cannot be ignored, new research from Instantly suggests. 

20% of snack, granola, energy bars feature non-GMO claims, reveals Label Insight

16-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Data from Label Insight* shows that one in five (21%) snack, energy or granola bars in the US now makes a non-GMO claim of some kind – making it the leading category for non-GMO claims, compared with an average of 4.2% for all the grocery products in...

Lifeway taps into 'limited run' flavor trend to bolster market-leading position in kefir category

14-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Lifeway Foods, a manufacturer of kefir beverages, is tapping into an increasing trend toward flavor periodicity to extend its market leading position, said CEO Julie Smolyansky.

fairlife: ‘We’re responsible for a large portion of the growth in the value-added dairy category’

11-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Coca-Cola-backed high-protein milk brand fairlife isn’t sharing any numbers, yet. But if you’re wondering how it’s performing, the answer is very nicely, says communications director Anders Porter, who says the firm is also working on a suite of products...

Some US consumers turned off by process behind Fairlife: Euromonitor

04-Sep-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Some US consumers are turned off by the process behind Coca-Cola’s high-protein, lactose-free Fairlife milk, according to Euromonitor.

Blue Hill plans another industry first with move into drinkable savory yogurt

03-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

With its gourmet savory yogurts now gracing shelves at 800-900 stores in the US, Blue Hill is now looking to challenge the nation’s palate again, this time with a new range of veggie- and fruit-packed drinkable yogurts that it hopes will bring the brand...

Saga Dairy: We want to bring Icelandic yogurt to the mainstream

28-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

First came Siggi’s, then Smári Organics. But can the husband and wife team behind Saga Dairy (Viking Icelandic Yogurt) – the latest entrants to the niche, but growing ‘Icelandic-style’ yogurt category in the US – emulate their success?  

Yakult USA confident of "eventual and ultimate vindication" in probiotics class action

27-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Probiotic specialist Yakult USA has challenged allegations in a class action alleging it is misleading US shoppers about the digestive health benefits of its fermented drinks and says it is confident of "eventual and ultimate vindication at trial,...

Pizza makers should re-think marketing, formulation to appeal to health-conscious women, study finds

25-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The cliché of pizza lovers as beer-pong playing frat boys or men sharing a slice while watching sports is all wrong – and as a result, so are many manufacturers’ marketing and formulation strategies, according to recent research. 

Flavor Trends

Americans are united in their love for ice cream, but divided over their favorite flavors

24-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The dog days of summer are here and to help cool off consumers are reaching for ice cream, which a recent Yahoo Food survey found is 41% of American’s favorite dessert.

'No further' takeover talks with Dean Foods and Freedom Foods: a2 Milk Company

21-Aug-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) has had "no further communication" with Dean Foods and Freedom Foods since it rejected the takeover bid tabled by the pair.

“Channel agnostic” strategy helps Hain Celestial’s sales grow double-digits

20-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Natural and organic food manufacturer Hain Celestial Group continued its five year streak of earning double-digit quarterly sales growth thanks in part to a “channel agnostic go-to-market strategy,” according to the firm’s president and CEO.

More grab-and-go, high-protein breakfast items needed to fight chronic diseases, researcher says

17-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research showing high protein breakfasts can prevent weight gain, curb hunger pangs and stabilize glucose levels reveals unmet needs in the marketplace and opportunities for packaged food manufacturers, according to the lead investigator. 

Investor blasts Omega Protein's human nutrition diversification plans, calls for breakup, sale of company

13-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein Corporation has received a harsh critique of its diversification strategy from a major investor.  Wynnefield Partners filed a Form 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission calling for the company to seek alternatives—up to and including...

In-store promotions help retailers, brands retain sales when desired products are out-of-stock

11-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Proactive marketing strategies, such as cross-promotions and strategic shelving, by food manufacturers and retailers can reduce the risk of lost sales when consumers are faced with an out-of-stock product on their grocery list.

WhiteWave expands in competitive U.S. yogurt category with Wallaby acquisition

10-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Undeterred by the ongoing “fistfight” in the U.S. yogurt category, WhiteWave Foods Co. expands its presences in the segment with the $125 million cash acquisition of California organic yogurt maker Wallaby Yogurt Company, Inc. 

FDA calls for info and reveals risk assessment for raw milk cheese

06-Aug-2015 By Joseph James Whitworth

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling for information on cheese made from raw milk.

Fast food fever: Modern diets impact immune health of you and your kids

05-Aug-2015 By Nathan Gray

Modern ‘Western diets’ can lead to poor immune functioning and increased risk of inflammatory conditions, allergy, and auto-immunity, researchers warn.

We haven't hit peak Greek yet, says Dannon as Evolution Fresh yogurts hit grocery stores nationwide

29-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

While some commentators believe we have reached ‘peak Greek’ in the yogurt aisle, Dannon remains bullish about the growth potential of Greek yogurt as new Evolution Fresh fruit-on-the-bottom Greek nonfat yogurts with the tagline ‘inspired by Dannon’ roll...

Meet the people behind a2 milk, Yasso, Smári Organics, Tarte Foods, and good culture

The FoodNavigator-USA Dairy Innovation Forum is now available on demand!

29-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Missed our Dairy Innovation Forum? No problem, it's now available on demand to registered delegates for the next three months.

Arla Foods Ingredients’ Nutrilac helps turn acid whey from waste to value-added ingredient

23-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Arla Foods Ingredients’ Nutrilac whey protein can help dairy manufacturers turn acid whey, a by-product of Greek yogurt and cream cheese production, from a hard-to-handle waste to a raw ingredient that can add value to a range of products. 

IFT annual conference

Welch’s wants to Concord the world

20-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Welch’s is expanding its reach beyond finished consumer goods and into new countries with the launch last fall of its Global Ingredients Group. 

Fonterra slashes workforce by more than 500 'to remain strongly competitive'

16-Jul-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra, the world's largest dairy exporter, is reducing its workforce by more than 500 in the face of falling milk prices.

Probiotic fermented milk may improve airway allergies: Danone study

16-Jul-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Probiotic fermented milk may improve airway allergies through immune system shift, says Argentinian research funded by Danone.

10 strategies to accelerate new product growth

16-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The number of new products coming to market every year continues to shrink, but that doesn’t make cutting through the competition any easier, according to Larry Levin, executive VP and practice leader at IRI Worldwide. 

USDA selects Chobani to supply high-protein Greek yogurt to schools

30-Jun-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Chobani has been selected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve as the main supplier of Greek yogurt to the National School Lunch Program.

Traditional foods dominate Fourth of July menus

29-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Americans may increasingly seek bold new flavors and adventurous or exotic food for everyday cooking, but this Fourth of July most will turn to time-honored, traditional dishes and big name brands to help them celebrate, market research predicts. 

DSM unveils 'next generation' Greek Legends yogurt cultures

26-Jun-2015 By Oliver Haenlein

DSM has launched a range of yogurt cultures for thick and creamy products its has called ‘Greek Legends’.

Brazil, Kenya and Iran: Three markets to watch in cheese

25-Jun-2015 By Kacey Culliney

Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are hot on the heels of the US and Europe in packaged cheese, and growth is set to stir up plenty of future M&A activity, says Euromonitor International.

Drinkable yogurt, dairy-based smoothies could help counter declining consumption of fluid milk

24-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Individually packaged drinkable yogurt and dairy-based smoothies are increasingly popular as more convenient and modern alternatives to fluid milk, the consumption of which has declined in recent years, according to an executive with Arla Foods Ingredients. 

Whole milk, cheese and butter surge ahead; margarine, skim milk and frozen yogurt fall backwards

Who are the winners and losers in the US dairy products market?

24-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

New data on the US retail market for dairy products reveals strong dollar sales growth for butter, whole milk, cream, kefir, and natural cheese, but a lackluster performance from low fat and skim milk, frozen yogurt and margarine, suggesting Americans...

Most consumers spend majority of grocery budget on packaged foods, CivicScience finds

23-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers may talk big game about buying more fresh foods, but most still spend the majority of their grocery budget on packaged, prepared foods, new research from CivicScience reveals. 

FDA outlines when firms do not need to label major food allergens

23-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Manufacturers do not need to label major food allergens if they can prove to FDA prior to distribution that the production process eliminates allergenic proteins from the product or that the allergen is in such a low amount that it does not pose a risk,...

Seeds and grains are moving beyond bakery & snacks into the dairy aisle, says Glanbia Nutritionals

23-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

Ancient grains and seeds such as chia, flax and quinoa have been steadily infiltrating the US cereal, bakery and snacks aisles in recent years, but are now starting to generate a lot of excitement in the dairy category as well, says Glanbia Nutritionals.

Freedom Foods and mystery international dairy considering a2 Milk takeover bid

22-Jun-2015 By Mark ASTLEY

Australian firm Freedom Foods and an "unnamed leading international" dairy have lodged a non-binding bid to acquire the a2 Milk Company (a2MC).

What are the hottest dairy trends – and companies - to watch in 2015?

19-Jun-2015 By Elaine Watson

What are the hottest new trends in dairy? Grass-fed everything? A whole milk renaissance? High-protein kefir? Quark? And what’s next after Greek yogurt?  

Milk constituents, not just flavonoids, in chocolate could explain link with lower heart disease, stroke risk, study finds

16-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Dark chocolate often steals the spotlight for health claims, but new research suggests milk chocolate, which is sweeter, fattier and more popular, could offer the same benefits in high doses.

Cheese could be the next health food, industry expert suggests

15-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The tide may be changing for cheese, as science helps re-position the dairy food as a protein-dense, calcium-rich, healthy snack rather than as a high-fat and -sodium food to be enjoyed in moderation, suggests a market trends expert. 

Consumers increasingly value animal welfare and seek out retailers, CPGs that do, too

12-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumer concern about animal welfare is rising to a level that retailers – and by extension CPG manufacturers and suppliers – can no longer ignore, according to new research by the Food Marketing Institute.