Elli Quark, owned by P.S. Let’s Eat Inc., Irvine, Calif., is a spoonable, German-style fresh cheese with a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt.

The world of cultured dairy is a big one and the shelves are crowded. Health experts continue to tout the many benefits of consuming cultured dairy, including gut health and weight management. This past year some interesting trends have emerged that are poised to help grow and diversify the category even more — bold flavor innovation (including savory flavors), a growing interest in drinkable yogurts and an increase in whole-milk cultured dairy products.

The Laughing Cow’s cheese and breadsticks snack; Emmi creates a microwavable cheese fondue; BelGioioso launches sample sizes of new artisan cheeses

Convenience, flavor, authenticity and freshness are key factors that will drive consumer cheese purchases in 2016, according to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Madison.

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based OddFellows Ice Cream keeps its customers coming back with a constantly changing menu.

High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet, Marietta, Ga., started in Atlanta as a group of chefs who made ice cream for other chefs to serve in restaurants, hotels and resorts.