Those in the U.S. dairy industry often wonder aloud if functional yogurt can get a foothold in the States. Well, it's happened in Spain.

Students in St. Louis-area school lunch rooms are part of a study of new flavors and packaging to see if they can be persuaded to drink more school milk from an improved gabletop package.

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.