The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Leslie Ganzer to its Foodservice team. In her new role, Ganzer will support engagement initiatives with major foodservice operators and distributors to expand participation in CMAB programs.
Ganzer joins CMAB with a strong background in strategic sales execution, partner development and account retention across the foodservice and manufacturing sectors. She most recently served as a Territory Account Manager at Informa, where she led sponsorship sales and renewal growth for national events such as the Restaurant Leadership Conference. She also implemented AI-driven prospecting and analytics tools to modernize client outreach and performance tracking.
Prior to Informa, Ganzer held multiple leadership roles at foodservice market research firm, Technomic Inc., where she managed multimillion-dollar accounts with national chains, broadline distributors, commodity boards and manufacturers. Her earlier career with EcoSure (Ecolab) and C.H. Robinson provided deep insight into large-scale food safety, logistics and operations.
At CMAB, Ganzer will focus on strengthening partnerships and aligning dairy marketing initiatives with operator needs and trends. Her experience bridges analytics and sales strategy—helping CMAB deepen its relationships with key industry partners and enhance its data-driven approach to foodservice growth.
“Leslie’s combination of strategic sales experience and foodservice insights will bring tremendous value to our operator and distributor relationships,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at CMAB. “Her proven ability to grow partnerships and deliver measurable results aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the reach of Real California dairy products across the foodservice industry.”
Ganzer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Relations from the University of Iowa.
California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives inCMAB’s partner countries.
The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.
Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.
“Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Vice President of International Business Development for the CMAB.
Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, November 14, 2024. Additional information is available here.
California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
Dairy farmers, producers, and more: The Pacific Coast Coalition-Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII) is now accepting grant applications through October 31, 2025.As outlined by federal guidelines: priority areas are for projects that:
– Diversify dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products,
– Promote business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation, and
– Encourage the use of regional milk production.
The PCC-DBII will consider all applications, with higher priority given to proposals that address and uplift regional milk usage, e.g. milk sheds. Total available dollars will be either $155,550 or $500,550, depending on the current government shutdown.
Timing (subject to the duration and results of the US Government Shutdown) includes a virtual “office hour” for prospective applicants:
·October 31, 2025 – Applications due
·November 1-30, 2025 – Review of applications; contractual paperwork
·December 1, 2025 – proposed start date subject to contractual paperwork being completed
·FRIDAY July 31, 2026 – ALL grant award spending must be completed
For more information: See previous grant winners from funding rounds 1 – 5. Additional funding opportunities are also available through the PCC-DBII Internship and Technical Assistance programs. Please contact PCC-DBII with any questions or call Nancy Van Leuven, (206) 919-8694.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Cynthia Kindle as Marketing Manager, U.S Retail supporting the organization’s retail brand initiatives and consumer engagement strategies.
Kindle brings more than five years of experience in managing and optimizing digital presence, executing integrated marketing campaigns, and coordinating cross-functional projects to drive brand alignment and growth. She joins CMAB from InnovAsian Cuisine, where she served as Associate Brand Manager, reporting monthly brand performance, leading e-commerce content optimization, agency management and executing shopper marketing campaigns. Prior to InnovAsian, Kindle contributed to marketing efforts at Nature’s Bakery and Nestle USA, where she gained valuable experience in reporting and analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and project and budget management.
In addition to her corporate experience, Kindle has managed freelance digital marketing projects for clients where she created targeted marketing strategies, built customer personas, and maintained brand presence across social media and online platforms.
Kindle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University’s Graziado School of Business Management.
“Cynthia’s ability to connect data-driven insights with creative marketing strategies makes her an extremely valuable addition to our team,” said Lizzie Werber, Director of U.S Retail of the CMAB. “Her expertise will help us further strengthen visibility for Real California Milk products and engage consumers in new and innovative ways.”
“I’m passionate about real food and the way it connects people to health, tradition, and community,” said Kindle. “I’m thrilled to be joining CMAB and to play a role in sharing the story of California dairy while supporting the farm families who make it possible.”
California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
Following a bake-off competition where 12 professional chefs crafted innovative pizzas highlighting California cow’s milk cheeses, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced three new pizza champions in the 2025 Real California Pizza Contest, the premier national search for the best pizza recipes that feature Real California Cheeses.
Chef Salvatore Trupiano, CEO of Mangia e Bevi in Oceanside, Calif. won the contest’s Grand Prize and the Big Cheese category award for his Creamery Crown recipe. TheCreamery Crown combines Real California Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Carmody, Dry Jack, and Crème Fraîche in a decadent balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Chef Salvatore Trupiano’s award-winning pizza
Photo Caption: Chef Salvatore Trupiano’s award-winning pizza
Trupiano took home $10,000 – $5,000 as a category winner, plus $5,000 for the Grand Prize distinction.
In the On the Menucategory, Chef Edward Stalewski of Mercurio’s in Pittsburgh, Pa., took home the $5,000 category prize for his Iron Crust pizza – a bold, flavor-packed creation prepared in a cast iron pan featuring cupping pepperoni and layered with Real California Mozzarella, Provolone and white Cheddar cheeses, topped with whipped Ricotta and grated Gouda.
Chef Marcus Medinaof Hella Pie Pizza in Tracy, Calif. won the $5,000 Innovation category prize for his Hellapeno Za’pper, apizza that pairs four Real California cheeses – Mozzarella, Cheddar, Cream Cheese, and Dry Jack – with maple bacon, fresh jalapeños, and smoked hot honey.
Each of the nine remaining finalists received $1,000 for advancing to the pizza bake-off.
“Each year, this contest demonstrates how chefs across the country continue to use California dairy products to push culinary boundaries,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “This year’s pizza recipes were especially exciting with bold, authentic flavors and inventive spirit. The judges were impressed by the versatility of Real California cheeses and how they were highlighted.”
Now in its seventh year, the contest, which was open to professional chefs and culinary students across the U.S., received a record number of participants, leading to the most competitive finalist selection in its history. The bake-off final was held at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia in Napa, Calif.
The judging panel included renowned industry leaders such as Tony Gemignani, 13-time World Pizza Champion and owner of 22 culinary concepts; Glenn Cybulski, certified pizzaiolo and award-winning executive chef; and Laura Meyer, International pizza champion, restaurant owner and co-founder of Fork to Future. Pizzas were scored based on taste, texture, visual appeal, and the inventive use of Real California cheese.
“California remains the leading producer of milk and Mozzarella in the U.S., and it’s clear that chefs nationwide recognize the value of our state’s sustainable, high-quality dairy products,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “From bulk Mozzarella to artisan cheese, Real California dairy products continue to raise the bar on flavor and performance throughout the foodservice industry.”
The 2025 Real California Pizza Contest winners and finalists are as follows:
The Big Cheese Category
WINNER: Salvatore Trupiano – Mangia e Bevi, Oceanside, Calif.
Finalist: Kira Zabrowski – Much Ado About Pizza, Pleasanton, Calif.
Finalist: Randy Lewis – Hearth Wood Fired Pizza & Catering, San Leandro, Calif.
Finalist: Charles Cullison – Charlie and the Pizza Factory, Kingman, Ariz.
On the Menu Category
WINNER: Edward Stalewski – Mercurio’s, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Finalist: David Goldy – Wild West Pizza, Lompoc, Calif.
Finalist: Adam Sachs – Toscano Brothers, San Francisco, Calif.
Finalist: Ryan Mondragon – Sanctuary Pizza, Modesto, Calif.
Additional details, videos, and recipes from the bake-off event will be available in an online recipe book launching this October that will feature all finalist pizzas and tips for working with Real California Cheese in foodservice. For further information, visit https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/pizza-contest/.
California’s reputation as the leading dairy state continues to inspire chefs with more than 200 varieties and styles of cow’s milk cheeses and a full catalogue of dairy ingredients made with sustainably sourced milk from California dairy farm families. Learn more at https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/.
About Real California Milk / The California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S., and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.
The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the launch of the 2025 Real California Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest, a national foodservice recipe competition inviting professional chefs to reimagine the classic grilled cheese sandwich using California’s rich array of artisan cheeses and butter.
Following the success of the Great Mozzarella Showdown and other virtual competitions, this latest online contest celebrates the beloved grilled cheese in two creative categories:
California Classic: Featuring up to three California cheeses, no additional ingredients.
California Freestyle: Featuring one to three California cheeses plus unlimited additional ingredients (as long as cheese makes up at least 50% of the sandwich).
Influential foodservice judges will select eight winning recipes from the online submissions based on strict criteria, including use of California cheese, recipe innovation, and flavor expectations. CMAB’s team of professional chefs will conduct a cook-off of the winning recipes and grand prize champions will be named for each category.
Each chef finalist will receive $1,000, with the two winning dishes receiving an additional $1,000 for a total of $2,000 to each category winner. In total, the CMAB will award $10,000 in prize money.
“Grilled cheese continues to grow as a creative and profitable opportunity for chefs and restaurants looking to offer something familiar, yet elevated. California’s high-quality cheeses are the ideal foundation for innovation, helping chefs craft flavorful sandwiches that stand out on any menu,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “We’re excited to see the original recipes chefs submit in this contest and how they showcase the versatility of California dairy.”
The recipe submission period is August 1- September 19, 2025. The eight final recipes/chefs will be announced on October 13, 2025, with two grand champions named in mid-November. For more information, including entry details, visit https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/grilled-cheese-contest/.
California is a reliable, consistent source of sustainable dairy products used by chefs and culinary professionals throughout the world. As the nation’s largest dairy state, California boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning cheesemakers and dairy processors that are helping to drive dining innovation.
California is the leading producer of fluid milk, butter, and ice cream as well as Mozzarella and Monterey Jack. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with sustainably sourced milk from the state’s dairy farm families.
About Real California Milk / The California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S., and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.
The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today a consumer promotion focused on balancing meal times with the return to busy schedules. Whether families with children headed back to school, or for those who are looking to simply reset and settle back into a routine after a busy summer, quick and easy recipes made with wholesome Real California Milk dairy products are a perfect solution.
This campaign communicates messages of re-establishing routines while offering delicious and nutritious meal solutions for those who are short on time. The recipes highlighted in the campaign include a Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie Bowl, make-ahead Steak Taco Jar Salads, Real California High Protein Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothies, Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Baked Potatoes and more.
The promotion, which runs July 28 through September 21, will be geotargeted around California retail locations including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Walmart and Stater Bros. Markets. Support includes in-store media and shopper marketing activations, integrated digital media with targeted display ads, as well as a corresponding radio broadcast campaign.
“Dairy plays an essential role in creating wholesome, satisfying meals. This campaign—along with the thoughtfully curated recipes—was designed to showcase the incredible variety and premium quality of California dairy products,” said Lizzie Werber, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “Our goal is to inspire busy individuals and families to enjoy quick, nourishing meals without compromise. With its sustainable production and commitment to the highest standards, California dairy adds something truly special to every dish.”
California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announce 12 professional chef finalists for the 2025 Real California Pizza Contest, a nationwide competition to find the most innovative foodservice pizza recipes featuring Real California dairy products.
In its seventh year, the contest attracted more than 200 entries from chefs across the U.S., each vying for a share of $30,000 in prize money and recognition as the best of the best in pizza. Finalists will compete in a live bake-off July 29th at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif., showcasing their recipes across three new categories: On the Menu, The Big Cheese, and Innovative Wildcard.
Each category winner will receive $5,000, with one selected as the Grand Prize Winner and awarded an additional $5,000. All other finalists will receive $1,000 each.
The 2025 contest categories and finalists are as follows:
On the Menu: An innovative pizza recipe currently featured on the entrant’s regular or seasonal menu, using two or more Real California cheeses or dairy products.
Edward Stalewski – Mercurio’s, Pittsburgh, Pa.
David Goldy – Wild West Pizza, Lompoc, Calif.
Sean Dempsey – Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, Watertown, S.D.
Sergio Balderas – Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.
The Big Cheese: A creative take on America’s favorite – the cheese pizza – featuring Real California Mozzarella and at least two additional Real California cheeses.
Salvatore Trupiano – Mangia e Bevi, Oceanside, Calif.
Kira Zabrowski – Much Ado About Pizza, Pleasanton, Calif.
Randy Lewis – Hearth Wood Fired Pizza & Catering, San Leandro, Calif.
Charles Cullison – Charlie and the Pizza Factory, Kingman, Ariz.
Innovative Wildcard: A unique and original pizza recipe that showcases Real California Mozzarella and highlights the chef’s creativity in a cheese-forward pizza.
Adam Sachs – Toscano Brothers, San Francisco, Calif.
Ryan Mondragon – Sanctuary Pizza, Modesto, Calif.
“This year’s Real California Pizza Contest drew a record number of chef entries, highlighting the incredible versatility and appeal of California-made cheeses and dairy products in the pizza category,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “Chefs and pizzaioli nationwide continue to choose California dairy for its superior quality and consistency. As the country’s leading producer of Mozzarella and the second largest cheese producer overall, California is at the forefront of innovation in foodservice. We’re excited to see how this year’s finalists bring that innovation to life across our new contest categories.”
At the July 29 bake-off finals, chefs will prepare their pizzas onsite for blind judging by a panel of acclaimed pizza experts:
Tony Gemignani – Chef, restaurateur, international pizza authority, and President of the World Pizza Champions
Glenn Cybulski – Certified pizzaiolo and award-winning executive chef
Laura Meyer – International pizza champion, restaurant owner and co-founder of Fork to Future
The judging panel selected the 12 finalists from over 200 blind-judged entries from across the United States. All finalist recipes incorporate cheeses made with sustainably sourced milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms. Chefs selected from over 200 varieties and styles of Real California cheeses, each bearing the Real California Milk seal.
About Real California Milk / The California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S., and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.
The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.
Have you heard of the Center for Land-Based Learning? For over 30 years, this nonprofit organization has served California’s agricultural industries by inspiring and educating youth with an interest in food and ag — connecting them with resources and opportunities to pursue a career in farming. Nicole Curiel, Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager from the Center met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share more about the program and how farmers can get involved. Watch this brief interview to learn more.
Class 3 milk prices have seen better days in the California dairy industry. The cheese market in particular has been quite volatile recently, and producers are disappointed to see prices on the decline this month. Watch this brief interview with Tiffany LaMendola, Vice President of Risk Management at Ever.Ag, as she explains the current dynamics of the cheese market.
Please thank this video’s sponsor afimilkfor their industry support.
