Mexico's Grupo Lala said sales increased 7% to $3.2 billion. The dairy processor attributed the growth mainly to a higher value-added product mix, to non-organic growth as a result of new products and brands in the portfolio, to volume growth and to the company´s price increase strategy.

More than 5,000 cups of Chobani Greek yogurt that were intended for Team USA athletes competing in Sochi, Russia, ended up instead in food banks in New York and New Jersey.

Land O'Lakes Inc., Arden Hills, Minn., said that its Dairy Foods business segment in 2013 generated record pretax earnings of $75 million on sales of $4.5 billion, up 8% from 2012. The results were driven by improved margins on milk powders and butter in Global Dairy Ingredients along with records in sales volume and earnings in the Retail Foods and Foodservice businesses.

Editor's note: the Milk Processor Education Program yesterday announced it is undertaking a new integrated marketing campaign called Milk Life. The campaign will focus on the nutrition in milk, especially its protein content. In this exclusive report, MilkPEP Interim CEO Julie Kadison explains the decision.

 In January, Sargento Foods, Plymouth, Wis., named Mike McEvoy Executive Vice President-Operations. The manufacturing, engineering, quality systems, procurement, logistics and distribution services functions will report to him. Most recently he was president of Sargento’s Food Ingredients division. McEvoy succeeds Mark William Rhyan, who passed away on Dec. 25.

 Four separate studies demonstrate that dairy protein reduces belly fat, builds muscle mass, prevents bone fractures and improves metabolism. 

 Whether you are speaking before a school board or a Rotary Club meeting, following these four steps can help you become a more forceful and effective  advocate for dairy products.