As we wrote about in our State of the Industry report last month, consumers love their cheese and are eating more of it, but prefer all-natural varieties.

Ice cream sales may be climbing (see our August issue), but sales for most frozen dessert segments took a beating. Unit sales of frozen cheesecakes, pudding/mousse and whip toppings all decreased. Meanwhile, frozen sweet goods sales ticked up.

Ice cream sales continue to show promise as dollar and unit sales both see a boost. Frozen novelty sales also went up, thanks to price increases, because unit sales were almost at a standstill.

The USDA’s Dairy Market News reports on what retailers are advertising this week, and what they are charging for cream cheese, cheese, yogurt, milk and ice cream.

Juice beverages are a multibillion dollar industry, and according to a recent trend report from Fona International, millennials in particular are throwing back more juices as meals and snacks, and for health and hydration.

The advertised price for 8-ounce conventional cheese blocks averaged $2.24, down 8 cents from last week. A package of shredded cheese fell 4 cents to $2.19.

With many dairies also bottling teas, juices, lemonades and coffee-based drinks, it’s important for dairy processors to keep an eye on what’s new and trending in these nondairy beverage categories.

While yogurt sales increased a bit; those of other cultured dairy products, like yogurt drinks, kefir and cottage cheese, are seeing greater sales growth.

Consumers’ preference for natural over processed shows in cheese sales. While natural cheese sales remained positive, processed cheese continues to see declines. Consumers are opting for natural slices, sticks and shredded cheese.