A byproduct of Greek yogurt manufacturing, acid whey presents an environmental challenge that will require the combined efforts of many parties to resolve.
Over the past decade, the dairy industry has experienced a boom in the production of Greek-style yogurt (GSY). While in 2004 GSY accounted for less than 2% of all yogurt types produced domestically, by 2015 this number skyrocketed to almost 40%.
Up until recently, cottage cheese was arguably one of the most yawn-worthy subcategories within the cultured dairy segment. With so much other innovation in the cultured dairy space, consumers likely viewed the product as bland and boring, and retail sales data reflected that reality.
You won't find any fancy-looking equipment at the creamery operated by Phoenix-based Danzeisen Dairy LLC. Tucked into a mixture of farm, industrial and residential properties in Phoenix's Laveen neighborhood, the creamery relies on retrofitted vintage milk processing equipment, much of it from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, and all of it from U.S. manufacturers, to produce its craft dairy products.
About a decade ago, Greek yogurt was the game-changer in the U.S. cultured products space. But newer cultured dairy products are now providing some competition, and adding excitement to the dairy case.