Dollar and unit sales are on the rise for both the sports and energy drink categories.

While skim/low-fat milk sales are struggling, flavored milk is a beacon of light and whole milk unit sales are up.

The ice cream category’s unit sales are practically in a standstill, while various segments like frozen yogurt and frozen dairy desserts are struggling.

Dairy suppliers might wonder if it is worth it to advertise and sell dairy products through online channels? Do consumers actually buy perishable items online? Will online grocery dramatically impact dairy suppliers? In short, the answer is yes.

Some cheesemakers have committed to secure extra milk intakes next week. That will keep many cheese plants in heavy production, according to the USDA. Sales of organic fluid milk are off.

Dollar and unit sales for most natural cheese segments are up, while processed cheeses are still not the first choice for many consumers.

Refrigerated RTD coffee and refrigerated tea segments both show dollar and unit sales up.

The frozen dessert category struggled with sales down or barely moving in all segments except frozen pudding, which saw sales rise.

Ice cream and novelty sales are up slightly, while ice pop novelty sales jump ahead of the rest.

A team of graduate students from North Carolina State University won first place in the National Dairy Council New Product Competition.