The American Dairy Products Institute honored Phillip S. Tong with an Award of Merit.  "ADPI members widely acknowledged Phil's numerous contributions to the processed dairy products industry throughout his distinguished career," said ADPI's CEO, David Thomas. "ADPI is pleased to recognize his service to the industry with this award."

"We're off to a solid start," said Tony Vernon, CEO of Kraft.  "Our first quarter results reflect strong returns on our new product innovations to date, as well as the fact that our cost savings outpaced our plans to reinvest in our brands."

All Star Association honors Kwik Trip as the member of the year and BGC Manufacturing as the most improved plant of the year.

Chobani President, Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya was honored as a "disruptive innovator" at the fourth annual Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards. Food Engineering named Chobani's facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, its 2013 Plant Of The Year.

The winners of MilkPEP's Breakfast Blitz Display Contest showcased the success of the breakfast-at-home strategy in selling more milk as well as other complimentary breakfast products, including eggs, bacon, cereal and English muffins. When milk was featured in a display alongside those other items, the retailers reported notable increases.
 

The Unilever Ice Cream plant in Henderson, Nev., was recognized for Outstanding Dairy Processing & Manufacturing Sustainability and Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese, Gooding, Idaho, was honored for Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency.

Seattle-based Darigold, the marketing and processing subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association, announced the completion of its new milk powder dryer at its Lynden, Wash., processing plant. A fire destroyed the dryer in February 2012.

Some butter manufacturers find their inventories are close to zero but some have substantial inventories. Extra milk for cheese is harder to obtain, say some cheesemakers.

UW-M students Alyssa Hangartner and Joshua Lensmire earn Mike Dean Scholarships from Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.