 |
|||
|  |
|
|
Top Stories
Presenters show opportunities for dairy in leading food trends |
May 2, 2025 |
||||
CHICAGO — Quality ingredients and targeted nutrition are among the top food and beverage trends in 2025 that offer opportunities for dairy product innovation, according to presenters from Innova Market Insights during this week’s American Dairy Products Institute/American Butter Institute (ADPI/ABI) Annual Conference held here. The Tuesday commercial session on “Dairy Products Trends, Trials and Tribulations” was presented by Trevor Riebling, Innova’s head of enterprise accounts in North America, and Tom Vierhile, Innova’s vice president strategic insights. Out of Innova’s “Top 10 Food & Beverage Trends, 2025,” Riebling and Vierhile focused on six key trends that matter most for dairy: Ingredients and Beyond, Precision Wellness, Flourish from Within, Climate Adaptation, Taste the Glow and Mindful Choices. For Ingredients and Beyond, which also ranked No. 1 in Innova’s 2025 food and beverage trend list, the presenters emphasized that as the demand for added value becomes standard, elevating quality beyond ingredients is key. To take advantage of this trend, dairy companies must come up with a way to stand out beyond finding the star ingredient and develop a coherent narrative around quality. “The quality of product is the most important factor for consumers in food and beverage brands,” the presenters explained. Following this trend, they noted that high-protein products are emerging everywhere, from yogurt and ice cream to protein bars. Leading subcategories for the number of launches of high-protein products include sports powders, bread and bread products, and sweet pastries. “Dairy is among the leading growth categories for innovation in products containing protein ingredients,” they said, adding that one-third of U.S. consumers use cheese as a source of protein as an alternative to meat. In addition to protein, consumers also are seeking quality in the naturalness and inherent goodness of their foods, from “no artificial ingredients” claims to healthier nutritional profiles. Innova noted that almost one in three U.S. consumers would reduce their dairy consumption due to artificial ingredients in processed dairy products. Innova ranks Precision Wellness as the No. 2 trend for 2025, and the presenters highlighted age-specific nutrition as a targeted approach for dairy products. In 2024, there was a 24% year-over-year growth in global dairy launches with a claim specific to children (5-12 years) , and Gen X and Baby Boomers also are key targets for age-specific nutrition, the presenters said. Other precision wellness areas that work well with dairy include weight management and condition-specific nutrition. Innova reported a 38% year-over-year growth in 2024 global new dairy launches tracked with a weight management claim, and a 16% year-over-year growth of dairy launches with a lactose-free claim. Consumers selected bone or joint health (48%), protein intake (43%) and digestive health (37%) as key health-related reasons for maintaining dairy consumption, according to a 2024 Innova survey. Digestive/gut health makes up its own key trend for food and beverage in Innova’s 2025 list, particularly desirable for older generations. The presenters pointed to marketing for Bellwether Farms Sheep Milk Yogurt, which advertises “Great Taste. Easy on your Stomach.” They also pointed to growth in new snack products with a probiotic inclusion. Sustainability and animal welfare is another top 10 trend, and the presenters noted that the dairy industry is adopting various sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact, as well as advancing efforts toward animal welfare in dairy farming. They also highlighted the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in tracking farm data in areas such as cow health and managing methane emissions. “Taste the Glow” is a trend driven by a booming cosmetic industry, now bringing beauty-enhancing features into food. The presenters noted that one in five consumers globally have purchased food and beverage to “improve physical appearance/beauty” in the last year, with top opportunity areas including facial skin, hair and body skin. There has been a 21% average annual growth in new dairy launches with a skin health claim from 2022-2024, they added. One product example they pointed to was Lifeway’s recently launched Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen line with claims to support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness and joint health. The final top 10 trend the presenters tied to dairy opportunity was Mindful Choices, noting that as consumers prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, brands are crafting innovations that connect with their feelings. This is a newer trend in the food and beverage realm, as the presenters explained consumers pay high attention to their mental health, with 36% saying that feeling mentally/emotionally well is their primary health goal. However, there still is low association between mental health and functional food and beverages among consumers, according to Innova. Among a variety of strategies consumers adopt to feel mentally well, three present good opportunities for dairy: getting more sleep, making changes to diet/nutrition, and participating in a calming and destressing activity. The presenters highlighted two dairy brands that have tapped into consumer desire for better sleep, both in the Asian market. Meiji last year launched a functional milk that contains crocetin and tryptophan to support vision and sleep. Meanwhile, Nestlé China also last year launched a new milk powder, made from a blend of bioactive ingredients such as tryptophan, vitamin B and magnesium, developed to promote sleep quality. “Thirty-six percent of consumers globally say getting more sleep is a way that they are improving their mental or emotional well-being,” the presenters noted. More information on Innova’s trend reports is available at www.innovamarketinsights.com/reports/. CMN |
|||||
May 2, 2025 |
|||||
WASHINGTON — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) this week released its 2025 Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights. Among the key elements of the report highlighted by USTR are ongoing concerns with the European Union’s (EU) aggressive promotion of its exclusionary geographical indications (GI) policies. USTR notes that the United States continues its intensive engagement in promoting and protecting access to foreign markets for U.S. exporters of products that are identified by common names or otherwise marketed under previously registered trademarks. The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) say they appreciated USTR’s decision to spotlight protection of common food names in the agency’s 2025 Special 301 Report. The annual report highlights the European Union’s persistent campaign to monopolize common names — such as “parmesan” and “feta”— through protectionist GI policies. CCFN, NMPF and USDEC note these efforts restrict the use of widely recognized food and beverage terms to only specific European producers and effectively cut U.S. producers out of certain key markets. “The European Union’s approach to geographical indications is entirely unacceptable. It intentionally crowds out fair competition by restricting market access for U.S. and international producers,” says Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “Too many trading partners have been coerced into imposing trade USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden says Europe’s misuse of GIs is nothing more than a “trade barrier dressed up as intellectual property protection.” “It not only unfairly strips American producers of the right to use common, widely understood terms, but significantly handcuffs commercial export opportunities. We welcome USTR’s focus on this issue and appreciate the administration’s dedication to protecting U.S. market access rights,” Harden says. NMPF notes that last year, the United States imported nearly $3 billion more in dairy products from the European Union than it exported to Europe. “Europe’s abuse of the GI system is a significant reason for that deficit,” says Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “EU GI schemes create a two-tiered system that benefits European producers and stamps out competition. We appreciate that USTR is addressing this unfair practice and look forward to continuing to work together to level the playing field for U.S. dairy producers.” CCFN submitted comments to the agency in January, which broke down the many markets where U.S. dairy producers’ common name rights are being threatened. NMPF and USDEC filed supporting comments noting the urgency for action to address this pressing trade barrier. CCFN Senior Director Shawna Morris built on those comments at a Feb. 19 USTR hearing, where she underlined how the EU misuses geographical indications and why it’s imperative for the U.S. government to match the EU’s efforts on common names. CMN |
|||||
U.S. dairy industry groups sign MOU to partner with Indonesia |
May 2, 2025 |
||||
ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and KADIN, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday in a milestone step to deepen cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries. The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration to support enhanced dairy trade, strengthen commercial cooperation and bolster public nutrition through promoting greater consumption of dairy products, particularly in public programs. Key areas of collaboration include the greater integration of dairy into Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, regulatory procedures including on dairy facility registration, data sharing on market trends, information exchange on best practices and technical expertise areas regarding dairy production, and joint public communication efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of dairy nutrition. The agreement also emphasizes support for school milk programs as a catalyst for child health and educational success. “This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in U.S-Indonesia cooperation on trade and dairy,” says Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. “It builds on strong momentum from the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program that USDEC launched in January with U.S. and Indonesian partners in the agriculture and university sectors. It also charts a pathway for U.S. dairy suppliers to more fully complement local Indonesian milk supplies in meeting the country’s evolving nutritional needs during a critical time for U.S.-Indonesia trade relations.” With its focus on areas of mutual collaboration and support for U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia, this agreement complements ongoing trade negotiations between Indonesia and the United States regarding fostering more reciprocal trade flows. “The United States and Indonesia share a mission of promoting dairy as a valuable source of nutrition,” says Gregg Doud, NMPF president and CEO. “The agreement signed (yesterday) commits our industries to join efforts to grow the Indonesian market and support producers in both countries.” The MOU builds on a deepening relationship between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries, initially prompted by Harden’s participation as the featured industry guest on a 2023 National Association of State Over the past year, USDEC has led the creation of the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program, which held its first farmer education and training session in January in Indonesia. In collaboration with the New Mexico and Wisconsin state agriculture departments, New Mexico State University, and Indonesian university and dairy company partners, the project is focused on the dissemination of technical educational materials designed to empower small-scale dairy producers in Indonesia to improve the quality and quantity of milk they produce. As those practices are adopted, USDEC notes that U.S. dairy supplies play a vital complementary role to meet Indonesia’s growing dairy needs. CMN |
|||||
|
|||||
April 25, 2025 |
|||||
By Rena Archwamety MADISON, Wis. — As higher tariffs and the threat of more tariffs have injected volatility into global trade and economies, U.S. dairy exporters still can find good opportunities to sell their products overseas, according to a panel of experts who presented during a webinar hosted yesterday by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA). Andy Novakovic, emeritus professor of dairy economics at Cornell University, offered a historical perspective on tariffs. He explained that before the Great Depression that spurred a transformation of the federal government, tariffs were a major source of revenue, along with some excise taxes and the sale of federal land. High tariffs also were used from time to time to protect certain industries before the United States became a global economic power. While tariff rates fluctuated, they typically remained very high until after World War II, when a multinational initiative began to gradually eliminate trade barriers. Today, sources of federal revenue are very different, Novakovic said, pointing out that customs duties make up a very small percentage of revenue, compared to various taxes, social insurance and retirement. Novakovic said the debate continues over how much high tariffs in the past have helped or hurt, but there is a general feeling among the core economic community on the virtue of free trade, which allows businesses in all countries to focus on what they do best. “When there are restrictions on trade — tariffs, sales tax, quotas — they are introducing a cost, and costs are a drag on commercial and economic activity,” he said. When there is uncertainty in the environment, that is a cost as well, he added. “We don’t want more costs in the system than we need. Distrust is a deterrent to business relationships. We are destroying that trust,” Novakovic said. “Trading partners, we understand, some are beyond concerned over actions that are being taken. This adds to our challenges.” However, exporters should avoid a “woe is me” mentality and figure out how to be resilient and do their best. Chuck Nicholson, associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, addressed why tariffs are important for U.S. dairy trade. “It’s fairly important to think about tariffs in dairy trade,” he said, pointing to the three main U.S. dairy trading partners — Mexico, Canada and China. Nicholson also explained that most recent growth in dairy sales has been through the expansion of export markets — more than one-fifth of total U.S. milk production on a solids basis now goes toward exports. However, Nicholson said there also is an opportunity to grow dairy export markets, as well as benefits to dairy farmers who might see lower domestic feed costs as a result of China’s high tariffs. The primary restraints on dairy trade will be from retaliatory tariffs from major markets in China and Canada. Based on an average of monthly simulation modeling results for March 2025 to January 2029, Nicholson outlined likely impacts of retaliatory tariffs from Canada and China. He noted the value of total U.S. dairy product exports could drop 26%, U.S. cheese exports 18% to 25%, and U.S. whey exports 12% to 30%. “Dairy also dodged a bullet with the EU — initially they would have included dairy but reached a consensus that dairy and alcoholic beverages from the U.S. were exempt from retaliatory tariffs,” Nicholson said. The final webinar presenter was Jacqueline Cook, vice president of dairy sales USA for Ausfine Foods and owner and president, Cook Alpine Ltd. A grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection funds consulting hours with Cook for dairy processors in the state. Cook addressed how dairy exporters can protect themselves as well as see opportunity in uncertain times. “Two things you can still do in uncertain times are one, diversify product offerings, and two, cultivate strong relationships with foreign buyers,” she said. “You want to foster relationships and maintain them. As we have seen, this could change overnight. You want to be that trusted supplier for these buyers. This also can be a test to see how trustworthy and committed you are as a partner. Let them know they are still important to you and maintain that close relationship. You want them to call when there is an opportunity to come back — and when it does, it can be so quickly.” Exporters also should adopt a problem-solving mentality, Cook said, and work closely with customers and traders who have boots on the ground. It is crucial in this ever-changing environment as well to stay in touch and informed, understanding all regulations, she advised. “As a negotiation evolves, you will find out what products there are exemptions for. What codes are affected, and what are the standards of identity?” she said She suggested understanding various countries and building relationships by understanding the different licenses, as well as building a competitive advantage by knowing what products might be able to fall into different codes. When safeguarding against tariffs, Cook said transparency is key. Exporters should prepare for different scenarios and come up with a plan for all of them. She also advised attendees to ask for partial prepayment or a letter of credit, or alternatively to carry credit insurance. Sellers should include a clause in sales orders that the consignee bears any additional tariff costs, and they should monitor trade policy changes frequently, staying ahead of announcements. “Don’t shy away when tariffs are announced. There may be a niche advantage. Be ready to make a move if a window opens,” she said. “Tariffs can be an opportunity, especially if negotiations start to open some windows. They can be a catalyst for strategic action.” CMN |
|||||
Chobani LLC invests $1.2 billion in third dairy processing facility |
April 25, 2025 |
||||
NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — After announcing a $500 million expansion in Twin Falls, Idaho, last month, Chobani LLC this week broke ground on a new, $1.2 billion, state-of-the-art plant in Rome, New York. This new facility is about building for the future — creating jobs, supporting family farms, transforming communities and delivering better food to more people, Chobani officials say. “New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story. Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special — something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion and only the highest-quality ingredients,” says Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani. “With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we’re entering a new dimension, partnering with hard-working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future.” Once home to the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the 150-acre open stretch of land will transform into a thriving center of food production, enabling Chobani to keep up with soaring product demand and create a runway for new innovations. The 1.4-million-square-foot facility is expected to add over 1,000 full-time jobs with competitive wages, an attractive benefits package and access to a suite of on-site health and wellness amenities. “Through this partnership with Chobani, we’re revitalizing Upstate New York’s manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time,” says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County — the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history. When I took office, I pledged to make New York the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation, and projects like this one show our strategy is working.” Rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good, the Rome plant is not a standalone operation — it’s designed to be a catalyst for an entire ecosystem of food innovation across the Mohawk Valley and beyond, Chobani says. The company will partner with local farmers, businesses, colleges, universities, government leaders, entrepreneurs and community organizations to drive new thinking, train the next generation of high-skilled labor and fuel economic opportunity in the region. With capacity to produce over 1 billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year, the new plant will house up to 28 production lines designed to process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day. One of the largest buyers of raw milk in the state, Chobani purchases over 1 billion pounds of raw milk from New York State dairy farms each year. Once the new plant reaches full capacity, Chobani will purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds per year, creating additional economic opportunity and strengthening the state’s dairy industry. CMN |
|||||
March milk production hits 19 billion pounds in major states |
April 25, 2025 |
||||
WASHINGTON — Milk production in the 24 major milk-producing states in March totaled 19.05 billion pounds, up 1% from March 2024’s 18.86 billion pounds, according to data released this week by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). February revised production for the 24 major states was 17.01 billion pounds, an increase of 26 million pounds or 0.2% from last month’s preliminary production estimate. (All figures are rounded. Please see CMN’s Milk Production chart.) For the entire United States, March milk production was estimated at 19.85 billion pounds, up 0.9% from March 2024’s 19.68 billion pounds. March production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 2,125 pounds, up 4 pounds from March 2024 and up 225 pounds from February. For the entire United States, production per cow in March is estimated at 2,111 pounds, up 6 pounds from March 2024 and up 225 pounds from February. NASS reports the number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states was 8.96 million head in March, up 72,000 head from March 2024 and up 9,000 head from February. In the entire United States, there were an estimated 9.40 million head in March, up 57,000 head from March 2024 and up 8,000 cows from February. California led the nation’s milk production in March with 3.58 billion pounds of milk, down 2.1% from March 2024. Wisconsin followed with 2.78 billion pounds of milk produced in March, up 0.1% from March 2024. CMN |
|||||
April 18, 2025 |
|||||
By Alyssa Mitchell MADISON, Wis. — Recent political discourse and executive orders addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts in businesses’ hiring practices have left many companies uncertain about which initiatives or practices are still permissible and how they should move forward when looking to expand their workforce. In a session Thursday at CheeseCon, held this week in Madison, Wisconsin, a panel of legal and dairy industry experts shared how their companies are interpreting these regulations and how they are moving forward with efforts to foster an inclusive environment in the dairy industry. Moderated by Rebekah Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy at the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Sweeney noted that inclusive workplaces have demonstrated better outcomes and even profitability for many companies, with lower turnover, increased innovation and stronger teams. But how can the dairy industry work to foster an inclusive and supportive environment while simultaneously following federal, state and local guidelines? Rifelj spoke on legal insights into DEIA compliance, providing an overview of recent executive orders. She noted many companies are updating some of the language surrounding inclusion initiatives but not necessarily doing away with them. She also noted that despite the confusion surrounding much of the guidance, many DEIA policies are rooted in equal employment opportunity laws, which are still in place. She recommended that companies conduct a risk analysis of policy to determine if any policy is at risk of being legally challenged, as well as whether the policy is beneficial to the workplace or has yielded positive results. “It’s similar to the way you would evaluate your benefits — how do you attract employees?” she said. “The U.S. population is not growing at the pace that we need to continue to grow and evolve,” he said. “Labor is going to be a challenge, and companies need to find a way to tap into all parts of the population to get the best talent.” Bolet Cafaro shared that at Great Lakes Cheese, the response to broadening inclusion efforts has been very positive. The company prides itself on being authentic and showing integrity in its actions, through training and hiring practices from the plant to the corporate level. This is reflected in the company’s statement on its website, “Together, for generations to come.” “It matters to people to be seen and represented,” she said. Quijada said that he feels Ecolab hires and retains top talent because it is a very purpose-driven company, which resonates with people. The company has resource groups for new hires to get acclimated with other employees with similar perspectives and backgrounds in order to feel included and supported, and managers are trained to treat every employee with respect and ensure they feel seen and heard. “We’ve always been very purpose-driven — we want to do what’s good for the company, the industry and the planet. We’ve always been very focused on growth. That’s part of our core value, and that’s not going to change. And the only way to do that is to have innovative solutions and the best people — and that requires diversity,” he said. “We know for a fact that having a diverse team makes us smarter, more innovative and increases the performance of our teams.” At the end of the day, panelists agreed that being human and having compassion and empathy will always be important. “I don’t think there’s any liability in being a human being and asking if someone is OK,” Quijada said. “The industry has committed to this, and I think it is a huge point of risk if we walk away from this now,” Bolet Cafaro added on the importance of DEIA practices in the dairy industry. “I feel there’s good momentum and it would be a breach of trust to stop this work now.” Quijada added like with most things, progress might not be a straight line. “Nothing is — but consumers and the workforce are diverse, and I think those who do this will win, and we all want to win,” he said. CMN |
|||||
Lawmakers and farmers push back on tariffs, voice concern |
April 18, 2025 |
||||
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from across the country are attempting to limit President Trump’s power to impose tariffs, noting that farmers, businesses and consumers in their states will be hurt by the escalation of a trade war. On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the president’s use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that they say hurt states, consumers and businesses. The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing and agriculture state in the nation. Newsom and Monta say the tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state of California and inflicted billions in damages on California’s economy. “The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal,” Monta says. “As the fifth-largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the president’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the president is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state.” The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, requests the court declare the tariffs imposed by President Trump void and enjoin their implementation. The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff. It also claims the president’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact tariffs is unlawful and unprecedented. The IEEPA gives the president authority to take certain actions if he declares a national emergency in response to a foreign national security, foreign policy or economic threat. The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the president can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them, the lawsuit says, adding that this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs. The lawsuit invokes the U.S. Supreme Court’s major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorization from Congress. In recent years, the court has applied this standard to strike down major initiatives, including President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, ruling that novel executive actions with broad impacts on the national economy cannot rest on vague statutory authority. • Trade Review Act Also this week, the National Farmers Union (NFU) sent a letter to the U.S. House and Senate, urging lawmakers to support the recently introduced Trade Review Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would reassert congressional authority to review and approve any new tariffs imposed by the administration. “We need congressional oversight of tariffs and trade policy to ensure measures are thoughtful and positively impact the agriculture economy,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “Family farmers and ranchers are facing historic levels of uncertainty, and the recent flurry of tariff announcements, followed by abrupt reversals, has only deepened that volatility. These actions force our long-standing trade partners to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and look elsewhere for more affordable products. Once we lose those markets, they’re nearly impossible to win back.” The Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., would restore congressional oversight as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. The bill would establish a process for congressional review of new or increased tariffs imposed by the president. It would require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing a duty on imported goods, including an explanation and an assessment of its impact on U.S. businesses and consumers, among other actions. • Farmer impact Meanwhile, last Friday U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and 18 of her Democratic colleagues sent a letter asking U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer for information on how the administration’s tariffs will impact farmers across the nation. “We write with great concern about the impact of the administration’s reckless tariff agenda on our nation’s farmers,” the senators wrote. “Farmers not only have billions of dollars in commodities from last year waiting to be sold, but also have started spring planting and rely on stable markets for the planning. “As farm organizations and economists have been warning for months, key trading partners will continue to retaliate against U.S. agricultural products as a result of President Trump’s tariffs,” the senators added. “The direct economic impact and uncertainty on America’s farmers stand to change the future of agricultural trade relationships for generations.” CMN |
|||||
Industry raises more than $350K at U.S. champion cheese auction |
April 18, 2025 |
||||
MADISON, Wis. — An energetic crowd of dairy processors, marketers and suppliers raised $354,445 at the 2025 Novonesis Reception and Championship Cheese Auction held Wednesday evening at CheeseCon in Madison, Wisconsin. The funds support industry training programs offered by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), as well as dairy scholarships and university innovation. “It’s a thrill to witness the generosity of the dairy processing industry at the auction each year,” says WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “We’re immensely grateful to all those who raised their paddles to contribute to the programs and educational opportunities that help grow and strengthen our industry.” • Item #1 — Awesome Arena: Actus Nutrition purchased 6 pounds of Pepper Jack Deli made by Team Arena, Arena Cheese, Arena, Wisconsin, for $250 per pound for a total of $1,500. • Item #2 — Luscious LaClare: A-Z Process Solutions purchased 10 pounds of Original Goat Cheese made by Robert Garves, LaClare Creamery, Malone, Wisconsin, for $525 per pound for a total of $5,250. • Item #3 — Titan Tillamook: Harry Davis & Company purchased 10 pounds of Hickory Smoked Cheddar made by Tillamook, Tillamook, Oregon, for $375 per pound for a total of $3,750. • Item #4 — Fantastic Kraft: Harry Davis & Company purchased 10 pounds of Philadelphia Whipped • Item #5 — Luminous Litehouse: Hydrite purchased 6 pounds of Litehouse Simply Artisan Gorgonzola made by Litehouse Simply Artisan Team, Litehouse Inc., Sandpoint, Idaho, for $120 per pound for a total of $720. • Item #6 — Cabot, Nab It!: Great Lakes Cheese purchased a combined 40 pounds of Cabot Mild Cheddar made by Team Middlebury, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Middlebury, Vermont; Cabot Medium Cheddar made by Team Chateaugay, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Chateaugay, New York; Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar and Cabot Creme Fraiche made by Team Cabot, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Cabot, Vermont; and Cabot Mac & Cheese Shreds and Cabot Pepper Jack Slices made by Great Lakes Cheese and Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Cabot, Vermont, for $350 per pound for a total of $14,000. • Item #7 — Mighty Meister: Mohawk Technology LLC purchased 10 pounds of Bruschetta Jack Spread made by Meister Team 3, Meister Cheese, Muscoda, Wisconsin, for $900 per pound for a total of $9,000. • Item #8 — Southwest’s Best: Nelson-Jameson purchased a combined 40 pounds of Colby, Monterey Jack and Monterey Jack with Habenero Peppers made by Southwest Cheese Team, Southwest Cheese, Clovis, New Mexico, for $325 per pound for a total of $13,000. • Item #9 — Hook’s Hallmark: Food Safety Net Services purchased 6 pounds of Hook’s Little Boy Blue made by Team Hook, Hook’s Cheese Co. Inc., Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for $250 per pound for a total of $1,500. • Item #10 — A-M-P-I Love It!: Advanced Process Technologies Inc. purchased a combined 50 pounds of AMPI Sharp Cheddar made Blair Team, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Blair, Wisconsin; AMPI Carolina • Item #11 — Wondrous Widmer’s: Actus Nutrition purchased 10 pounds of Aged Brick Spread made by Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Team, • Item #12 — Agropur Perfection: Dahmes Stainless Inc. purchased a combined 60 pounds of Whole Milk Mozzarella and Low Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella made by Team Lake Norden, Agropur Inc., Lake Norden, South Dakota; and Reduced Sodium LMPS Mozzarella made by Agropur Jerome-Kaden Hamblin, Agropur Inc., Jerome, Idaho, for $425 per pound for a total of $25,500. • Item #13 — Stunning Sartori: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Garlic and Herb BellaVitano Dip & Spread made by Team Sartori, Sartori Co., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $450 per pound for a total of $4,500. • Item #14 — Peak Pearl Valley: General Films Inc. purchased 50 pounds of Pearl Valley Cheese Swiss Cheese made by Pearl Valley Cheese Inc., Fresno, Ohio, for $175 per pound for a total of 8,750. • Item #15 — Gilman Greatness: Kelley Supply Inc. purchased 24 pounds of Shelf Stable Onion Pasteurized • Item #16 — Klondike Gold: Alpma USA purchased a combined 30 pounds of Odyssey Feta in Brine, Odyssey Reduced Fat Mediterranean Feta in Brine and Odyssey Low Fat Feta in Brine made by Steve Webster; Buholzer Brothers Brick Cheese made by Ty Saglam; Buholzer Brothers Havarti Cheese made by Steve Bechtolt; Buholzer Brothers Dill Havarti Cheese made by Dave Buholzer; Odyssey Vanilla Greek Yogurt made by Danielle Sofran; and Odyssey French Onion Greek Yogurt Dip made by Matt Martin, all of Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Wisconsin, for $800 per pound for a total of $24,000. • Item #17 — Foremost’s Foremost: Mohawk Technology LLC purchased 10 pounds of Salted Butter made by 3rd Shift, Foremost Farms USA, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, for $1,600 per pound for a total of $16,000. • Item #18 — Spectacular Sigma: Darlington Dairy Supply purchased a 16-pound Fresco Wheel made by Brian Mundt and Victor Martinez, Sigma Darlington Plant-Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Wisconsin, for $750 per pound for a total of $12,000. • Item #19 — Marieke’s Mastery: Loos Machine & Automation purchased a combined 35 pounds of Marieke Gouda Truffle and Marieke Gouda Smoked made by Marieke Gouda Team, Marieke Gouda, Thorp, Wisconsin, for $100 per pound for a total of $3,500. • Item #20 — Lavish Land O’Lakes: dsm-firmenich purchased 10 pounds of Yellow Sharp Cheddar American Cheese Product made by Team Loaf, Land O’Lakes Inc., Spencer, Wisconsin, for $800 per pound for a total of $8,000. • Item #21 — Gifted Guggisberg: Actus Nutrition purchased a 15-pound Ziller Wheel made by Guggisberg Cheese Inc., Millersburg, Ohio, for $725 per pound for a total of $10,875. • Item #22 — Ultimate Umpqua: T.C. Jacoby & Co. purchased 10 pounds of Umpqua 4% Cottage Cheese made by Team Umpqua, Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, for $225 per pound for a total of $2,250. • Item #23 — Winning Henning: ProActive Solutions USA purchased a combined 50 pounds of Henning’s Cheese Bandage Midget, Henning’s Cheese Dragons Breath and Henning’s Cheese Onion and Chive made by Henning Cheese, Kiel, Wisconsin, for $300 per pound for a total of $15,000. • Item #24 — Grand Glanbia: Complete Filtration Resources purchased a combined 40 pounds of Cheddar Aged 2+ made by Erik Rojas; Waxed Cheddar Medium made by Adan Gonzalez; Colby Jack made by Idris Adam; Chipotle Color Cheddar made by Joshua Paxton; Sweet Heat Habanero Colby Jack made by Billy Ray Sansabaugh; and Mediterranean Monterey Jack made by Joey Pittman, all of Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Falls, Idaho, for $350 per pound for a total of $14,000. • Item #25 — Golden Global Foods: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Naturally Oven-Smoked Provolone made by Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, for $300 per pound for a total of $3,000. • Item #26 — Bravo BelGioioso: Custom Fabricating & Repair purchased a combined 30 pounds of • Item #27 — Cedar Grove Goodness: Dairy Connection purchased a combined 40 pounds of Donatello and Faarko made by Cedar Grove Cheese Team, and Cheddar Cheese Curds and Flavored Cheddar Cheese Curds made by Robert Wills, all from Cedar Grove Cheese Inc., Plain, Wisconsin, for $150 per pound for a total of $6,000. • Item #28 — Masters Gallery Glory: Loos Machine & Automation purchased 10 pounds of Colby Jack Cheese Shreds made by Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $600 per pound for a total of $6,000. • Item #29 — Classic Carr Valley: Ivarson Inc. purchased a combined 16 pounds of Blue Spruce Blue made by Carr Valley Cheese Co. Inc., Linden, Wisconsin, and Mobay made by Carr Valley Cheese Co. Inc., Mauston, Wisconsin, for $125 per pound for a total of $2,000. • Item #30 — Super Schuman: D.R. Tech Inc. purchased a combined 60 pounds of Cello Asiago, Organic Ricotta, Lake Country Dairy Gouda, Cello Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan and Cello Grated Parmesan made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, for $325 per pound for a total of $19,500. • Item #31 — V&V’s Victory: Sugar River Cold Storage purchased a combined 20 pounds of Queso Oaxaca • Item #32 — Acclaimed Artisans: Dairy Connection purchased a combined 60 pounds of St. Malachi Reserve and Springdell made by Team Doe Run, The Farm at Doe Run, Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini made by Team Caputo, Caputo Cheese, Melrose Park, Illinois; Reading made by Spring Brook Farm Cheese Team, Spring Brook Farm, Reading, Vermont; Blueberry, Lemon & Thyme Goat Cheese made by Vermont Creamery, Websterville, Vermont; Jasper Hill Farm Cabot Clothbound • Item #33 — Legendary Lactalis: Novonesis purchased a combined 20 pounds of Karoun Bulgarian Style Yogurt, Karoun Honey Vanilla Yogurt and Karoun Labne Cheese made by Team 1, Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California; and President Wee Brie made by Courtney Schreiner and President Rondele Mango Habanero made by Brian Storm, both of Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, for $225 per pound for a total of $4,500. • Item #34 — Emmi’s Excellence: Kelley Supply Inc. purchased a combined 20 pounds of Roth Grand Cru Surchoix Wheel made by Emmi Roth, Monroe, Wisconsin, and Hop Along made by Cowgirl Creamery Cader Lane, Cowgirl Creamery, Petaluma, California, for $450 per pound for a total of $9,000. • Item #35 — Noble Kingston: T.C. Jacoby & Co. purchased 5 pounds of Blue Cheese Salad Blend made by Team Kingston Cheese, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Cambria, Wisconsin, for $500 per pound for a total of $2,500. • Item #36 — Supreme Saputo: Nelson-Jameson purchased 40 pounds of Montchevre Goat Milk Cheddar made by Black Creek Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Black Creek, Wisconsin, for $275 per pound for a total of $11,000. • Item #37 — Brilliant Burnett: dsm-firmenich purchased 10 pounds of Wood River Creamery Original Gouda Gruyere made by Rob Stellrecht and Burnett Dairy Team, Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Grantsburg, Wisconsin, for $925 per pound for a total of $9,250. • Item #38 — Savvy Savencia: Hydrite purchased 10 pounds of Alouette Professional Crème de Blanc made by Team New Holland SCUSA, Savencia Cheese USA, New Holland, Pennsylvania, for $175 per pound for a total of $1,750. • Item #39 — Greatest Great Lakes: Alpma USA purchased a combined 10 pounds of Mild Provolone Cheese made by GLC Team, Great Lakes Cheese, Franklinville, New York, and Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts made by Turophiles, Great Lakes Cheese, Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $1,300 per pound for a total of $13,000. • Item #40 — King Kemps: Novonesis purchased 10 pounds of Kemps Black Cherry Cottage Cheese made by Kemps LLC, Farmington, Minnesota, for $100 per pound for a total of $1,000. • Item #41 — Pine River Gold Pack: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Garlic & Herb Gourmet Cheese Snack Spread made by Team Pine River, Pine River Pre-Pack Inc., Newton, Wisconsin, for $425 per pound for a total of $4,250. • Item #42 — The U.S. Champion!: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 19 pounds of Arethusa Europa made by Arethusa Cheese Team, Arethusa Farm Dairy, Bantam, Connecticut, for $550 per pound for a total of $10,450. CMN |
|||||
| CMN article search |
   |
Today's Cheese Spot Trading |
Cheese Production U.S. Total Feb. 1.115 bil. lbs. Milk Production U.S. Total March 19.848 bil. lbs. |
| Guest Columnist | |
 |
|
| Click here for our columnist archives | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 2025 Cheese Market News • Quarne Publishing, LLC • Legal Information • Online Privacy Policy • Terms and Conditions |
|