The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Rosemont, Ill., seeks nominations for its second annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards program. The program recognizes dairy processors, dairy farms, businesses and collaborative partnerships for their efforts in eco-friendly, sustainable business practices

The Evanston, Ill.-based company will receive the Tom Camerlo Exporter of the Year award from Dairy Foods at USDEC's October annual meeting.

Consumer packaged goods companies winning in their categories are three times more likely to invest in growth channels and the Hispanic market, 50% more likely to use pricing optimization tools, five times more likely to view retailer collaboration as a strategic priority, and invest twice as much time in talent development.

The most advertised cheese category, 8 ounce shredded, has a weighted average advertised price of $2.19, a 6.8% price decrease from last cycle. The average price for 8 ounce blocks, $2.20, is a 5.2% price decrease from the last cycle. 

Agri-Mark will receive the New York Dairy of Distinction 2012 'Business of Distinction' award at a special ceremony on Aug. 27 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY.

"We're pleased to announce that Agri-Mark has been named our 2012 'Business of Distinction'," said Nancy Putman, Secretary of Dairy of Distinction's New York chapter. "Agri-Mark and its Cabot and McCadam dairy brands exemplify the very best in the dairy industry."
 

Demand for Labor Day retail specials and filling the pipeline for school openings have added to immediate interest. In fluid milk, the USDA's Dairy Market News reports that cream markets are firming. Following are highlights from Dairy Market News for the week of Aug. 13 to 17.