California Dairy: Sustainable, Innovative and Ready to Partner
The California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB) mission is to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk. This is accomplished through creative advertising and public relations using various channels, retail and foodservice promotion and support, product development/innovation and industry partner collaborations.
Store Brands: What should retailers know about the California dairy industry?
California Milk Advisory Board: California produces approximately 20% of the nation’s cheese and 99% of our farms are family owned. The state also exports about one-third of its total milk production, which equates to more than $1.8 billion.
California is rich in processing capabilities across almost every dairy category including fluid milk, cream, creamers, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, mainstream cheese, artisan cheese, Hispanic and ethnic cheeses, evaporated milk and more.
The state has the nation’s most rigorous sustainability requirements and its dairy farmers are focused on reducing their climate impact including methane emissions through use of methane digesters, alternate manure management programs and feed additives.
SB: As we look toward 2024, how is the California dairy industry dealing with the issue of sustainability?
CMAB: We are proud to lead the nation in sustainable farming and farming practices. Our farmers aim to ensure long-term sustainability of California’s dairy production through environmental stewardship, responsible animal care, and community building. The state is on target to reduce dairy methane emissions. This includes using methane digesters to turn manure into renewable fuels. Cow power from our farms is currently fueling more than 15,000 vehicles in the state.
SB: What services does CMAB offer?
CMAB: CMAB supports the industry in many ways but there are three key areas of focus: these are Processor Partnerships, Business Development and the California Dairy Innovation Center.
The Processor Partnerships team fosters relationships with more than 200 dairy processors by providing analytical and consumer insight support to grow their categories.
The Business Development team drives sales and awareness for products with the Real California Milk Seal (RCM) through annual promotion planning. This team supports retail promotions through product demos, IRC coupons and also by working with retailers to jointly plan awareness initiatives using a variety of channels from social to in-store marketing.
The CDIC (California Dairy Innovation Center) is a virtual center focused on stimulating innovation in California dairy by bringing together producers, processors and educators. The CDIC leverages the university network to coordinate pre-competitive research and education training, including short courses and symposia aimed at teaching students and professionals about products, processing, innovation and everything in between.
SB: Who can work with the CMAB?
CMAB: We welcome any retailer, operator or brand interested in growing their dairy offerings using Real California Milk.