CHICAGO – Igniting innovation in fluid milk and milk based beverages to meet the growing demands of both foreign and U.S. consumers is the objective of seven wide-ranging partnerships announced by Dairy Management, Inc.(DMI) today. These seven partners, supported by DMI who represents America’s dairy farm families and importers, are committing an unprecedented investment to unlock innovation and put milk back in the center of the rapidly growing health and wellness beverage market.
The seven partners from across the supply chain include Dairy Farmers of America (DFA); Darigold/Northwest Dairy Association; The Kroger Company; Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc.; Shamrock Farms; Southeast Milk, Inc and The Coca-Cola Company – all working aggressively to pursue growth opportunities for fluid milk through infrastructure, capital, human resource and marketing investments.
“These dairy partners are making an unprecedented investment over the next few years – more than half a billion dollars in capital and other resources,” said Tom Gallagher, CEO of DMI. “With our check-off resources and dedication to fluid milk innovation, we’re excited to see how unique partnerships will help us drive ingenuity and generate new offerings and sales in the fluid milk category.”
DMI’s fluid milk partnerships represent marketplace leaders chosen for their anticipated catalytic effect in causing others in the business to follow with innovation and investment.
The companies bring strong financial, technological and marketing capabilities to the partnerships; DMI’s commitment is assisting in product development, consumer insights, nutritional consulting, technical and formulation support, and introductions to perspective marketplace partners.
Neil Hoff, Texas dairy farmer and United Dairy Industry Association Chairman, said, “We know that growing the fluid milk business won’t be quick or easy but we believe these seven partners put us on the right footing. We see health and wellness and demand for protein as a consistent need for U.S. consumers, and also for consumers around the world.”
“As a farmer, I am proud to see to see farmer-led organizations and other leaders committed to revitalizing fluid milk,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy farmer, chairman of DMI and chairman of United Dairymen of Arizona, a regional dairy cooperative.
The seven partnerships will work to meet consumer needs through a variety of efforts including new products, new channels, enhanced distribution, merchandising and more. The long-term investment shows the dedication of America’s dairy farmers and importers to work with and through marketplace partners to create lasting category change.
About Dairy Management
Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by America’s nearly 49,000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association, and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
Source: Dairy Management Inc.