Processors combine tropical fruit flavors in ice cream and fruit bars. They look to the bakery aisle for inspiration and develop “dessert within a dessert” creations like red velvet cake and S’mores ice cream.

The star of the cultured category continues to be Greek yogurt, but other international-style yogurts are vying for attention. Plus, bold, exotic flavors, on-the-go products and a high-protein emphasis are showing up throughout the cultured dairy case.

 Natural cheese is still the clear winner for cheese processors, while snacking occasions are on the rise. Plus, consumers’ interest in unique flavors helps fuel the artisan cheese movement and inspires other processors to create more bold combinations. 

 Vivien Godfrey, CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), has resigned her position to pursue other interests including the leadership of her two family-owned businesses in London and Florida.  She has been at the helm of the fluid milk marketing program for the past five years.

A Dallas-area nonprofit organization that serves homeless shelters, food pantries, medical centers and other social services agencies is asking dairy processors and other food and beverage manufacturers across the United States to donate usable food items that are nearing their expiration date.

U.S. dairy exporters have become stronger. Exports have increased an average of 20% a year in the last decade.

 Dairy processors turn to ingredient suppliers for help in writing clean labels and operating green, sustainable business. Suppliers show how to add additional protein into foods and beverages. 

The dairy industry is promoting milk’s role in building muscle. But that alone won’t increase consumption. Packaging, flavors and channels of distribution have to pull their weight, too.

Chobani Inc. today said Andreas Sokollek will oversee all new product launches, production planning and materials management initiatives. He was named Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations.

Turkey Hill Dairy, Conestoga, Pa., said today that John Cox has been named president. He was executive vice president for the past 14 years and had been serving as the interim president since August 2013. Former president Quintin Frey retired earlier this year after 33 years of service.