The Dairy Council of California identifies trends impacting dairy. CWT export assistance closes in on 500 million pounds of milk equivalent. Dairy product cold storage inventories continue to grow. This and other U.S. dairy industry news can be found here.
Dairy Council of California releases ‘trends’ report
The Dairy Council of California (DCC) released its “Spring 2016 Trends Report,” a biannual report of trends likely to impact the dairy industry during the next one to three years. Key findings were as follows:
• Public health advocates and consumers often ignore dairy’s positive contributions to nutrient intake, like prevention of heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes and better weight management.
• Protein continues to be the “nutrient of the decade” as its list of health benefits grows. Consumers and health professionals need to be reminded dairy foods are superior sources of protein.
• Plant-based eating patterns are on the rise. Milk and dairy foods can and should be incorporated into plant-based diets for their unique package of nutrients, affordability and convenience.
• As disease is being diagnosed at younger ages, there are increased opportunities for nutrition education. There will be more support for healthy diet and lifestyle messages.
Read DCC’s Spring 2016 Trends Report.
CWT assists with 7.8 million pounds of cheese, WMP exports
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 12 requests for export assistance to sell 2.465 million pounds of cheddar and Gouda cheese and 5.307 million pounds of whole milk powder (WMP) to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South America.
Bids were accepted from Dairy Farmers of America, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association. The products have been contracted for delivery from April through October 2016.
So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives to sell 17.108 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 7.716 million pounds of butter (82 percent milkfat) and 20.203 million pounds of WMP to 15 countries. The sales are the equivalent of 479.003 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Cold storage inventories grow
USDA’s monthly Cold Storage report was released April 22, reflecting volumes of dairy products stocks as of March 31, 2016.
• Butter stocks were estimated at 43.6 million pounds, up 3 percent from Feb. 28, 2016, and 32 percent more than March 2015.
• Total natural cheese stocks were estimated at 1.19 billion pounds, up 1 percent from March 31, 2016, and up 11 percent from March 2015. American cheese stocks, at 725.7 million pounds, were up 1 percent from February and up 14 percent from March a year ago.
Cuba opening presents opportunity for U.S. dairy
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) sees an optimistic future for U.S. dairy companies looking to establish trade relationships with Cuba, according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).
In its recent report, “Overview of Cuban Imports of Goods and Services and Effects of U.S. Restrictions,” ITC encouraged U.S. dairy companies to capitalize when trade restrictions are removed.
ITC estimates Cuban production levels will not satisfy domestic demand.
Cuba’s milk powder import market grossed over $22 million in 2014, without a dime going to U.S. companies. Cuban sources have said they would prefer to obtain more milk powders from the U.S. due to lower prices, proximity and transportation reliability, according to the report.
Improved trade relations could lead to Cuban imports of higher-value U.S. dairy products, including cheese, yogurt and fluid milk to serve the growing tourism industry. ITC, citing U.S. Dairy Export Council estimates, said U.S. exporters could capture 30 percent of the total Cuban dairy market over the next 10 years, dominating milk powder and whey (50 to 75 percent of the market) and butter and cheese (40 to 60 percent of the market).
Read Overview of Cuban Imports of Goods and Services and Effects of U.S. Restrictions.
IDFA honors ice cream innovation
Innovative ice cream products were identified at the recent International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Innovative Ice Cream Flavor Competition. Winning entries were:
• Most Innovative Ice Cream Flavor: Tiramisu, a creamy interpretation of the classic Italian dessert featuring fudge swirls, pieces of ladyfinger sponge cakes and a hint of coffee. It was entered by Perry’s Ice Cream Company, Inc.
• Most Innovative Novelty: Coconut and Milk Fruit Bar, which delivers a burst of cool, creamy coconut and a splash of cold milk in each bite. It was submitted by Florida International University.
• Most Innovative Prototype Flavor: Pineapple Banana Praline Fosters, which combines pineapple with the flavor of the classic Southern desert of banana praline fosters. It was submitted by Fruitcrown Products Corporation.
‘Team Chobani’ U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes announced
Greek yogurt maker Chobani, LLC, a sponsor of the United States Olympic Committee since 2012, announced its roster of Team USA athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Handpicked for their passion of practicing goodness not only in their specific craft, but also in their daily lives, from the way they overcome obstacles, to the food they put in their bodies, “Team Chobani” is comprised of the following athletes:
• Morgan Brian, soccer – 2016 Olympic hopeful.
• Jordan Burroughs, wrestling – 2016 Men's Wrestling Olympian, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time World Champion.
• Ashton Eaton, track and field – 2016 Olympic hopeful, 2012 Olympian.
• Marlen Esparza, boxing – 2012 Olympian.
• Allyson Felix, track and field – 2016 Olympic hopeful, 2012, 2008, 2004 Olympian.
• Luis Gil, soccer – member of U.S. Men's National Team.
• Allison Jones, Para-cycling – 2016 Paralympic hopeful, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002 Paralympian.
• Alex Morgan, soccer – 2016 Olympic hopeful, 2012 Olympian.
• Melissa Stockwell, paratriathlon – 2016 Paralympic hopeful, 2008 Paralympian.
Team Chobani will be featured in a mix of TV, digital and in-store advertising. PD
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Dave Natzke
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- Progressive Dairyman
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