California Ag Network

Tag: CMAB

  • Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference on the California Coast

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the final program of the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, Feb. 24-26, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif.

    The conference, organized by CDIC in collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, promises an unparalleled opportunity for dairy processors to immerse themselves in the latest insights shaping the future of the industry. This year’s program will bring together global thought leaders, cutting-edge researchers, and seasoned industry executives to explore the trends, technologies, and consumer drivers transforming dairy. From global market outlooks with Innova, Rabobank and McKinsey to deep dives on health and wellness from UC Davis experts, attendees will gain forward-looking perspectives essential to staying competitive. High-impact sessions on protein innovation, international product breakthroughs, and emerging process technologies will be presented by California researchers and innovators. Panels and presentations showcase the expertise of leaders from DFA, Clover Sonoma, Leprino, Hilmar, Tetra Pak, Dairy Management Inc., and more.

    Designed to spark ideas and accelerate innovation, the conference offers unmatched networking and tabletop sessions. With focused conversations on export opportunities, hot topics in processing, and the latest work from California’s rising dairy research innovators, this is the must-attend event for anyone committed to advancing dairy products, processes, and packaging.

    This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Join the celebration of four decades in advancing dairy science, innovation, and industry partnerships. A dinner reception will bring together alumni, industry leaders, faculty, students, and friends to honor the legacy of the center and look ahead to the future of dairy innovation. More information and registration are available here.

    The Shell Beach Conference programs are organized by the California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions by the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State), industry sponsors and the CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes Dairy Farmers of America, California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.

    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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Welcomes Leslie Ganzer to Foodservice Team

    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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Welcomes Adrienne Daniels as EVP of Marketing

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Adrienne Daniels as  Executive Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Daniels will lead strategic marketing initiatives to expand awareness, engagement, and sales of Real California dairy products across domestic and international markets.

    Daniels brings over two decades of marketing leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, having built, grown, and revitalized brands across a broad spectrum of categories. Most recently, she served as Senior Marketing Director at Gallo, where she managed a portfolio of more than 60 brands, including Black Box Wines, Apothic Wines, and Carlo Rossi Wines. Under her leadership, Daniels led brand turnarounds, launched innovative campaigns with record-breaking ROI, and launched over 15 new wines.

    Before beginning her more than 11-year tenure at Gallo, Daniels spent over 13 years at General Mills, holding multiple marketing leadership positions across iconic brands such as Cheerios, Pillsbury, and Progresso. Her strategic and creative leadership helped modernize legacy brands, drive multicultural marketing initiatives, and pioneered new approaches to health-focused consumer engagement.

    Daniels earned her MBA from Stanford University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

    An active community leader, she has supported education and literacy as a past mentor to Learning Quest through the Stanislaus Community Foundation’s Profit with Purpose program.

    Daniels is dedicated to championing women in business and has held numerous leadership roles advancing this cause throughout her career. In her previous role, she served as a key leader within Gallo’s Women of Wine & Spirits group, an organization committed to promoting and recognizing the achievements of women across the industry. Daniels also engaged in women’s networks while in her position at General Mills.

    “Adrienne brings a wealth of strategic marketing expertise, creative insight, and a deep understanding of consumer engagement,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Her proven ability to grow and reposition major brands will be instrumental as CMAB continues to drive demand and build connections with today’s dairy consumers.”

    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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Offers Opportunity For Student Ambassadors With International Audiences


    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 in  CMAB’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.

  • New Marketing Manager at the CA Milk Advisory Board

    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.

  • Three New Champions Awarded in Real California Milk Annual Pizza Bake-off Event

    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. The Creamery 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 Menu category, 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 Medina of 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: Sean Dempsey – Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, Watertown, S.D.
    • Finalist: Sergio Balderas – Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.

    Innovation Category

    • WINNER: Marcus Medina – Hella Pie Pizza, Tracy, Calif.
    • Finalist: Vanessa Vinsick – Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse, Pittsburgh, Pa.
    • 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.

    For more information on sourcing cheese from California, contact the foodservice team at 209.883.6455 (MILK), email businessdevelopment@cmab.net, or visit RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com.

  • Selina Lopes Joins California Milk Advisory Board Team

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representingCalifornia dairy producers, today announced the addition of Selina Lopes as Producer Relations Coordinator.

    Lopes brings a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry and a diverse background in agriculture to the CMAB. She joins the organization from her most recent role as an Agriculture Instructional Support Specialist at Modesto Junior College (MJC). Her professional experience also includes serving as Development and Donor Relations Coordinator at the St. John Student Center, and working as a Business Communications Intern at Corteva Agriscience. In a previous role at World Wide Sires Ltd. , she supported advertising and public relations efforts for dairy clients across international markets.

    Raised on a dairy farm in Gustine, Calif., Lopes has been actively engaged in the industry from an early age showing dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA and participating in the California Junior Holstein Association. While attending MJC, Lopes was President and Vice President of the Dairy Science Club, the contest chairperson for the MJC Field Day Dairy Judging Contest, and the chairperson of the MJC Biannual Heifer Sale. During this time, she also held the title of District Six Dairy Princess from 2021 to 2022, representing the industry with enthusiasm and pride.

    Lopes pursued her education in agriculture, earning an associate degree in Agricultural Business from MJC, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University (OSU), graduating in 2024. While at OSU, she was actively involved in campus organizations including the Dairy Science Club and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, further solidifying her commitment to advancing the dairy community.

    “As a farmer-funded organization dedicated to driving demand for products made with milk from California dairy farms, we greatly value Selina’s extensive relationships and comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry. Her insight is an exceptional asset to our team,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its more than 1,000 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. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • Back to School Season Kicks Off With Retail Campaign Focused on California Dairy

    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.

  • Real California Milk Excelerator Competition Returns with New Incubator Track

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation consultancy VentureFuel have announced the opening of applications for the seventh Real California Milk Excelerator, one of the largest dairy-specific startup competitions in the world, along with the formalization of an Incubator track for early-stage products.

    The competition, which focuses on accelerating value-added products using real milk, features an immersive mentorship program and access to non-dilutive capital and an innovation ecosystem for brand growth. Since launching in 2019, the Real California Milk Excelerator has supported more than 50 startups, helping to drive multi-million-dollar growth and national retail expansion across Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco and more. The addition of the official Incubator track, piloted in 2024, represents a deepened commitment to driving dairy innovation and supporting a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs across all stages of growth.

    “From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal,” said Bob Caroll, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “By formalizing the Incubator alongside the Excelerator, we’re helping even more startups realize their potential and doubling down on our long-term commitment to reimagining what’s possible with real milk from our dairy farm families.”

    The Excelerator and Incubator tracks will run for 10 weeks and offer stipends to support program participation—from formulation and production to marketing and retail strategy, along with providing elite mentorship, hands-on support, and connections across the dairy supply chain. The program will culminate in an in-person event in California where Incubator and Excelerator participants will sample their products and the Excelerator cohort will compete in a live pitch competition with up to four finalists taking home $30,000 in marketing support. Those four will then compete over the following 12 months to unlock an additional $100,000 in support based on in-market performance.

    The Real California Milk Excelerator is open to growth-stage companies already demonstrating product traction and revenue, while the Incubator track is built for early-stage startups, including pre-revenue concepts. Applicants will be evaluated through a single submission and placed into the track that best aligns with their business stage, traction, and goals.

    The program’s return comes amid renewed momentum for dairy. According to Circana, real milk sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in dollar terms through May 2025, underscoring consumer interest in real milk for its taste, nutrition, and versatility.

    “Dairy is experiencing a powerful resurgence as consumers seek authentic, nutritious options—and the opportunity for innovation has never been greater,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “In year seven of the Real California Milk Excelerator, we continue to unlock new commercial growth for visionary entrepreneurs who are building with dairy, no matter what stage their products are in. By connecting bold ideas with the resources, expertise, and network they need, we are proud to work with CMAB to help shape the future of dairy and drive the next wave of category-defining products.”

    Applications are open through August 4, 2025. Startups and entrepreneurs developing high-growth dairy products made with at least 50% dairy are encouraged to apply. Categories of interest include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, confections, and even non-edible items such as personal care or pet products with a specific interest in GLP-1 friendly, gut health, high protein, lactose-free and reduced sugar products.

    Interested parties can apply or learn more about  competition rules, key dates, the application process, and RSVP for a virtual information session on July 15, 2025 at 12 PM PST at realcamilkexcelerator.com.

    The 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, also known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,000 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    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.

    About VentureFuel

    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Twelve Chefs Named Finalists in National Pizza Competition Featuring Real California Cheese

    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.

    • Marcus Medina – Hella Pie Pizza, Tracy, Calif.
    • Vanessa Vinsick – Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse, Pittsburgh, Pa.
    • 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.

    Additional details on the bake-off, chef finalists, and CMAB’s foodservice partnership support are available at https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/pizza-contest/

    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.

    For more information on sourcing cheese from California, contact the foodservice team at 209.883.6455 (MILK), email businessdevelopment@cmab.net, or visit RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com.