The dairy processing industry in 2011 was marked by changes in ownership and in the executive suite. Processors were busy introducing new products and expanding their production plants. But one thing did not change: Dallas-based Dean Foods Co. remains the top dairy processor (based on sales) in the 19th annual Dairy 100, Dairy Foods’ ranking of North America’s largest processors of milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and other dairy foods.

For the first time ever, the readers of Dairy Foods selected the Plant Of The Year. We asked you to vote online for one of 13 nominees. All of the nominated dairy processors had been featured in the magazine between January 2011 and June 2012. We publicized the awards program through our own social media channels, and we encouraged each of the nominated processors to do the same.

At the 6th Dairy Solutions Symposium, featuring speakers from dairy processing and dairy producing firms, the conclusion was unanimous: sustainability is the key to safeguarding the future and it needs to start now.

Everyone knows the woes of milk consumption. It has been in a steady decline for years. Once a person exits the ‘tween years and enters the teens, milk is about as relevant as a subscription to Tiger Beat magazine. Heavy drinkers of the stuff are ages two through four; 90% of this age group consumes milk, compared to 61% for those ages 50 and older.

Allied Purchasing is the oldest dairy purchasing cooperative in the United States, and its chief service is helping members improve their bottom line through volume purchasing.

QCS Purchasing LLC is a food industry procurement organization serving over 500 locations within its community. The company is owned by three partners: SECO (South East Cooperative Organization), Lisle, Ill.; Quality Chekd Dairies, Lisle, Ill.; and Allied Purchasing, Mason City, Iowa. Each has been in business dating back to the early 1940s.

All Star Dairy Association continues to exhibit strength and leadership with membership and volume growth. Even during the lingering weak economy and continued industry consolidation, All Star is expanding once again in sales, supplier offerings, service programs and especially savings to its members.

At its milk processing plant, Alabama’s Organic Dairy Products produces milk and dairy products with a cream top, using a low-temperature pasteurization process.

Eat Well Enjoy Life, the makers of non-chick pea hummus, announced a new hummus containing Greek yogurt at the IDDBA show.

Trugman-Nash announced the launch of a new line of vintage Australian Cheddars under the brand name, “Old Croc.”