Traditional labels (paper and film) are still popular and cost effective for a variety of purposes on bottles, jars, cans, and nearly all packages. Shrink and stretch labels, along with polypropylene film labels, are continuing to make in-roads, replacing traditional labels.

Wells' Dairy Inc., Le Mars, Iowa, introduces several new frozen treats to help weight-conscious ice cream lovers stay on track in 2006. For example, there's Sweet Freedom® Turtle.

Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., introduces ProBugs™. Made with organic whole milk kefir, these single-serve beverages are formulated for growing kids ages 2-9.

Functional novelties; protein shots; new dips

In Australia, Jalna Dairy Foods has introduced a 500g blueberry-flavored yogurt called Pro Heart, which claims to promote heart health.

Flavored cream cheese; cultured dairy drinks.

A fresh look at whey.

Lowfat milk sales are in a bit of slump after having undergone some measurable growth early in 2005. The second half of the year saw volume sales drop by as much as 3% per quarter.

Ice cream never tasted so hot, thanks to the folks at Blue Bell Creameries LLC. Like so many coffee houses, this Brenham, Texas, creamery has taken a popular hot drink and made it into a cold treat: Hot Chocolate Ice Cream. This new offering combines creamy milk chocolate ice cream loaded with miniature marshmallows, dark chocolate shavings and a rich marshmallow sauce swirl.

In China, Baojiali is introducing Soy Bean Milk for middle aged and elderly people. The product is made using a soybean powder that is said to adopt high-quality soybean as its main material, with the addition of milk powder and white sugar.