Dairy-based ingredients

Big Interview: Brad Kloss, founder and CEO, FitPro

FitPro: Is there room for a new player in the RTD protein shake market?

07-Feb-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Launching a new product into the ultra-competitive ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shake market is not for the faint-hearted. But being a minnow in a pool of sharks doesn’t faze the founder of FitPro, who reckons he can give Muscle Milk a run for its money.

General Mills agrees to $8.5m settlement over YoPlus health claims

06-Feb-2013 By Mark Astley

General Mills has agreed to pay $8.5m to settle a lawsuit that alleged it launched a national marketing campaign for its Yoplait YoPlus probiotic yogurt products in the US based on misleading digestive health claims.

Research results pointed Ben & Jerry's down non-GMO path

01-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

For Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company, taking the step to remove GMO ingredients from its supply chain was simply a matter of paying attention.  Not necessarily to the news, to political pressure, or even to consumer attitudes. It...

Special Edition: Protein Rich Foods: The Next Generation

Functional improvements drive demand for milk proteins

31-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

Continued development of new functional properties of casein and whey proteins will drive growth in their use and innovation in their applications in the coming year, said dairy experts.

Big interview: Drew Harrington and Amanda Klane, co-founders, Yasso

Get him to the Greek! The meteoric rise of Yasso

30-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

It’s a runaway success story that will either inspire budding entrepreneurs across the nation or have them seething with jealousy... But it’s hard to think of a better example of a product that hit the market just at the right time.

Yogurt-driven NY rule change will risk human health - green coalition

25-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

A coalition of environmental groups has slammed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plans to support the state’s growing yogurt industry by easing regulations on large-scale dairy farming operations.

US highlights food fraud perils

24-Jan-2013 By Rod Addy

Seafood, clouding agents and lemon juice are the latest categories targeted by food fraudsters flagged up by the US Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention’s Food Fraud Database.

Dairy Farmers of America agrees to $156.8m milk price fixing settlement

23-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has agreed to pay $158.6m to settle a 2007 lawsuit that alleged it conspired with Dean Foods and others to suppress raw milk prices across 14 Southeast US states.

Trial Greek yogurt as high-protein school lunch option, politicians urge

21-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

The inclusion of Greek yogurt in the National School Lunch Program could save money, while providing students with a high-protein meal option, two leading US politicians have claimed

Yoplait targets tweens with Pro-Force Greek yogurt

18-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Yoplait is expanding its portfolio in the fast-growing Greek yogurt sector with a new product targeting tweens.

Could creaminess help carbs match protein for satiating power?

17-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

High-protein and high-carbohydrate food and beverages may produce similar satiety responses if the perceived thickness and creaminess are equal, says a new study by Danone.

US ‘on the road’ to becoming major global dairy exporter - USDEC

17-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

The US dairy industry is on the road to becoming a “consistent global dairy supplier” after maintaining its export market share in 2012, the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has claimed.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Dairy prices down, but US market looking 'healthy' - Part two

16-Jan-2013 By John Geuss

In part two of his December 2012 US dairy commodities breakdown, MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gives DairyReporter.com the latest on whey, cheese and butter prices, as well as the "positive" impact of the recent 'fiscal cliff' deal.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Dairy prices down, but US market looking 'healthy'

15-Jan-2013 By John Geuss

US dairy commodity prices dropped in December 2012, but low inventories and high exports have left the market still looking "healthy." US commodities expert and MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gave DairyReporter.com a breakdown of US dairy commodity...

Chobani’s Canadian launch on hold as external ‘circumstances’ delay plant build

15-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has been forced to postpone its nationwide launch plans in Canada after external “circumstances” led to a delay in its plans to build a manufacturing facility in the country.

Nestlé quiet on Pfizer Nutrition-driven Latin American assets sale rumour

10-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Nestlé has refused to comment on reports that it is working with financial advisory group Rothschild to sell more than $1bn of Latin American assets in an effort to win regulatory approval for its acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition.

Dairy sector is next for dehydration technology

09-Jan-2013 By Rod Addy

Dairy processing firm Gay Lea Foods is testing Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) dehydration technology from Canadian company EnWave to create dried dairy products.

US dairy co-operatives slam Congress ‘dairy cliff’ deal

08-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Land O’Lakes have slammed Congress’ recent decision to extend the government’s current milk-buying programme.

Saputo completes $1.45bn Morningstar acquisition

04-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Saputo has completed its $1.45bn acquisition of Dean Foods’ Morningstar dairy division – a move the Canadian dairy giant hopes will help to expand its US manufacturing and distribution footprint.

US Congress backs deal to avert ‘dairy cliff’

02-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

US Congress has cleared a bill that will extend the government’s current milk-buying programme - effectively preventing a steep increase in the price of dairy products.

Special edition: Reformulation

New flavors can broaden product line's appeal, but won't supplant old standbys

18-Dec-2012 By Hank Schultz

Introducing a new flavor can be one way to reinvigorate a brand or to extend a line, but consumers will always return to their core flavor preferences, says an expert.

Chobani opens ‘world’s largest yogurt plant’ in Twin Falls, Idaho

17-Dec-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has opened what it claims is the world’s largest yogurt factory - a one million square foot plant in Twin Falls Idaho and its second domestic manufacturing facility - following a $450m investment.

FDA facing court over failure to respond to raw milk petition

17-Dec-2012 By Mark Astley

Raw milk dairy Organic Pastures has filed a lawsuit against the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alleging that the agency repeatedly failed to respond to its petition to amend a law that forbids the sale of raw milk-based dairy products across state...

Judge tosses yogurt identity lawsuit vs Yoplait Greek, but admits FDA position is not ‘a model of clarity’

12-Dec-2012 By Elaine WATSON

A Minnesota federal judge has thrown out a class action lawsuit alleging that General Mills’ Yoplait Greek yogurts do not meet the regulatory definition of yogurt on the grounds that this is up to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to decide.

Can the almond-based dairy alternatives market maintain its 50% growth level?

05-Dec-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

The market for almond-based dairy alternatives, just one section of the ever growing free-from market, is growing at an impressive 50%, with strong brands maintaining a stranglehold on the business.

Coke makes first direct investment in US dairy brands

05-Dec-2012 By Ben Bouckley

The Coca-Cola Company is partnering with US-based Select Milk Producers to invest in the Core Power high protein milk shake brand and create a complementary value-added nutritional dairy portfolio.

Agropur to invest $100m in US whey processing

27-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Canadian dairy processor Agropur plans to invest more than $100m in a US whey processing facility to increase the plant’s capacity and upgrade existing technology.

Organic dairy more economically beneficial than conventional dairy – US study

26-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

The organic dairy industry has for a long time boasted of its nutritional superiority over conventionally-produce dairy products. Now, according to a US study, the organic dairy sector can also lay claim to being more economically beneficial.

US dairy industry welcomes Russian trade bill passage

19-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) have welcomed the passing of a bill that could lead to the establishment of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia and Moldova.

Fonterra consumer research reveals ‘fantastic opportunity’ to educate boomers on protein

07-Nov-2012 By Elaine WATSON

If manufacturers can present them in a more appealing way, there is a huge untapped market in the US for higher protein products appealing to baby boomers looking to stay active, according to consumer research from dairy giant Fonterra Nutrition.

How much will this summer’s drought impact food prices in 2013?

06-Nov-2012 By Elaine WATSON

While the cost inflation situation has eased recently eased for many food manufacturers, summer drought conditions are widely expected to put renewed pressure on food prices in 2013.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Milk protein prices jump 13% in October - Part Two

05-Nov-2012 By John Geuss

In part two of his October dairy commodities breakdown, MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gives DairyReporter.com the latest on cheese and butter demand and quick look ahead to November, December and the coming year.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Milk protein prices jump 13% in October

02-Nov-2012 By John Geuss

US milk protein prices increased by 13% in October. But does the price  increase have the momentum to carry milk protein prices to the "exceptional highs" of 2008? US commodities expert and MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gave DairyReporter.com...

Kansas company launching ALA-enhanced ground beef

01-Nov-2012 By Hank Schultz

A Kansas company has taken the next step in omega-3s fortification by developing a way to boost the levels of n-3 fatty acids in beef.

Higher dairy intake lowers semen quality – Harvard study

26-Oct-2012 By Mark Astley

Young men with a high daily intake of full-fat dairy may be risking their chance of having children, US researchers have claimed.

DISPATCHES FROM INTERBEV 2012, LAS VEGAS

Coke, Pepsi face ‘massive’ future dairy sourcing challenge – Rabobank analyst

19-Oct-2012 By Ben BOUCKLEY

The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and other firms riding the convergence wave marrying soft drinks to dairy face massive future commodity sourcing challenges.

Mead Johnson Nutrition facing lawsuit over US meningitis death

17-Oct-2012 By Mark Astley

Mead Johnson Nutrition is facing court in the US over allegations that its Enfamil brand powdered baby formula was responsible for the death of one infant and two cases of serious illness.

Evaporated cane juice lawsuit latest: Chobani’s ‘no sugar added’ assurances violate federal law, says complaint

12-Oct-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Californian plaintiff Katie Kane has filed her second amended complaint against Greek yogurt giant Chobani accusing it of violating federal law by claiming its yogurts have “no sugar added” despite the fact they contain evaporated cane juice (dried sugar...

Chobani class action litigants join forces over evaporated cane juice complaint

10-Oct-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Civil litigation against Greek yogurt giant Chobani over its use of the term ‘evaporated cane juice’ to describe sugar (dried cane syrup) is about to move into a new phase with a second amended complaint in the Kane v Chobani case due today.

Big interview: Russ Moroz, VP Research Development & Quality, Kraft Foods

Kraft VP: There is no silver bullet on sodium reduction

27-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Kraft Foods has made significant cuts in sodium across its portfolio - and is currently working on “proprietary approaches to take this work to the next level” - but there is “not yet a silver bullet in the toolbox”, admit R&D chiefs at the firm.

Breaking news

Dean Foods seeks buyer for Morningstar

26-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Dallas-based dairy giant Dean Foods is inviting potential buyers to cast a slide rule over its Morningstar warehouse delivery business - the smallest of its three divisions - as it seeks to reduce its debt pile.

Danone settles Canadian Activia health claims lawsuit

25-Sep-2012 By Mark Astley

Danone has settled a class action lawsuit in Canada relating to claims made on labels, packaging and advertisements for its Activia yogurt and DanActive probiotic drinks products.

Dannon slams ‘poorly informed and frivolous’ Activia yogurt identity lawsuit

18-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Dannon has dismissed a class action lawsuit alleging that its Activia yogurts do not meet FDA-approved standards of identity as “poorly informed and frivolous”.

Will capacity surge put pressure on prices as big guns invest in the Greek yogurt boom?

10-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

The rush to build new capacity in the US yogurt sector - largely driven by the Greek yogurt boom - could put pressure on prices in the short term, although things should even out over time, predicts Yoplait-maker General Mills.

Greek identity crisis? Cabot Greek-style yogurt is not a yogurt at all, claims plaintiff

06-Sep-2012 By Elaine WATSON

The second class action lawsuit in six months to question whether a Greek yogurt brand meets the legal standard of identity for yogurt in the US has been filed in California against Agri-Mark subsidiary Cabot.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

August milk prices show significant increases

05-Sep-2012 By John Geuss

As a result of increased and unexpected US demand for cheese and butter in recent weeks, milk prices in the country have jumped by more than a dollar per hundredweight. US dairy commodities expert and MilkPrice blogger, John Geuss gave DairyReporter.com...

USDA urged to update nutritional guidelines on Greek yogurt

03-Sep-2012 By Mark Astley

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been urged to update its nutritional guidelines to differentiate Greek from other traditional types of yogurt and reclassify it as a high protein product.

Arla Foods to close US plant in efficiency drive

22-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

Arla Foods has announced plans to close one of its two US dairy plants, as part of a drive to streamline its US business and refocus on speciality cheese.

Muller Quaker Dairy breaks ground on first US yogurt plant

08-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

Muller Quaker Dairy, the joint venture between PepsiCo and the Germany-based Theo Müller Group, has broken ground on its first US yogurt manufacturing plant – less than a month after entering the market.

Court dismisses Danone challenge to Chobani Canadian import permit

02-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

Chobani Greek-style yogurt manufacturer Agro-Farma Inc. is celebrating a major legal victory in Canada, after the country’s Federal Court dismissed a bid by rival firms to keep it off shelves.