GlenOaks Farms, Laguna Beach, Calif., is introducing an improved formula to its drinkable yogurt line.

Apple Pie Parfait by The YoCrunch Co. was named the most innovative cultured dairy product at a recent competition judged by dairy professionals. The yogurt-based dessert contains pieces of real apple and a cinnamon-crunch crust topping.

Restaurant operators keep things fresh by revamping their menus and developing new dishes. The dairy foods industry has benefitted big time. Cheese, ice cream, sour cream and other dairy foods are appearing throughout these new menus. They are incorporated into appetizers, main and side dishes, desserts and beverages.

Heluva Good!, a brand of sour cream dips, cheeses and condiments from HP Hood, Lynnfield, Mass., added a new limited-edition sour cream dip flavor: Black Bean Queso.

Tillamook, Tillamook, Ore., sweetens its light yogurt with a stevia-based sweetener and other natural sugar substitutes.

While unit sales decreased 3% in the yogurt category, dollar sales were up almost 9% to $4.7 billion and the average price per unit increased 13 cents, for the 52 weeks ended March 18. According to Chicago-based SymphonyIRI Group, No. 3 Agro Farma Inc., New Berlin, N.Y., the maker of Chobani Greek yogurt, posted the largest gains. Dollar sales were up 128% to $704 million and unit sales rose 132%.

The Apollo Food Group LLC, Boston, has launched an all-natural frozen Greek yogurt smoothie product in three varieties: mango pineapple, mixed berry and strawberry banana.

A line of premium yogurt-based salad dressings from Bakersfield, Calif.-based Wm. Bolthouse Farms contains at least 55% fewer calories and 75% less fat than the leading brand.