CoolBrands International Inc., Toronto, was quick to name a new CEO after Richard Smith, co-chairman and co-CEO of the company died last month. A company spokesman said Smith, 64, died at a hospital outside New York City after an operation for an undisclosed ailment.

A battle is brewing in Congress between milk processors and producers over renewal of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC), which provides a government subsidy to farmers. Legislation was introduced in early February that would double the size of the MILC subsidy. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), would extend the program through September 2007 and increase the cap in the subsidy formula to 4.8 million gal per year. Dairy processors are lining up against the measure, noting that it was introduced a day after President Bush called for curbing the federal deficit during his state of the union speech.

Dairy processors have an opportunity to win back some of the calcium franchise thanks to a new study reinforcing milk's position as a superior source of the bone builder.

Tillamook County Creamery Assn., says that its decision to ask its farmers to forgo the use of artificial bovine growth hormone has led to an "aggressive intrusion" by Monsanto Corporation into the association's decision-making process.

The latest innovations in filtration technology, and the most current security practices and technologies will be part of the discussions at IDFA's Plant Operations Conference April 26-27 in Chicago.

For only the second time in its 40-year U.S. history, classic Jarlsberg cheese has embarked on a major television ad campaign. Imported and distributed exclusively by Norseland Inc., Stamford, Conn., this best-seller will be heavily promoted through a series of 30-second commercials on the Food Network through May.

Bravo! Foods International Corp., says it will expand operations into Canada. Beverage veteran Jeffrey Pencer has joined Bravo! to lead its new Canadian division which is expected to be operational this fall for the "back to school" time frame.

More than 600 dairy industry leaders were on hand in Orlando, as IDFA's Dairy Forum kicked off the new year in magical fashion.

CoolBrands International, Ontario, is buying the Breyer's yogurt brand lines from Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill. The deal includes the sale of the brands and of Kraft's manufacturing facility in North Lawrence, N.Y. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the first quarter. The ice cream maker and marketer said it will pay $59 million for the business.

The dairy industry is cheering the January release of the U.S. Government's new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines, a joint effort between USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, calls for at least three servings a day of low-fat or fat-free dairy food products.