California Ag Network

Tag: CMAB

  • John Talbot to Retire from California Milk Advisory Board, New CEO Selected

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced that CEO John Talbot will retire by the end of 2025 after more than a decade of leadership of the dairy marketing organization. Bob Carroll, CMAB’s current Vice President of Business Development, has been selected as his successor.

    The decision, communicated during the March CMAB Board of Directors meeting, marks the end of a term highlighted by growth in dairy innovation and expansion in export markets as well as a focus on leveraging California dairy farmer leadership in sustainability as a point of differentiation.

    Talbot joined the CMAB in 2014 and guided a multi-year evolution of the organization – implementing operational efficiencies and prioritizing a shift in mindset, driven by data, from a commodity orientation to a focus on building a culture of innovation. He articulated a new vision for the CMAB, to “Nourish the World with the Wholesome Goodness of Real California Milk” and put the people and processes in place to bring that vision to life, including hiring Bob Carroll to lead a team focused on retail, foodservice and international business development.

    During his tenure, he envisioned and directed the creation of the California Dairy Innovation Center, supporting innovation at the product, processing and packaging level by tapping into California’s existing college and university systems and the Real California Milk Excelerator innovation competition, now in its sixth year, which has supported more than 50 startups using dairy ingredients in value-added brands. Under his leadership, CMAB expanded international market focus, adding personnel and shifting financial resources to grow export distribution of Real California Milk products to more than 580 items across at least a dozen countries. During this time, fluid milk exports were up 64 percent, and cheese exports expanded by 51 percent. To streamline focus and budgets, Talbot consolidated offices, retired the Real California Cheese seal and oversaw a shift in communications focus from national to local and an increased concentration on digital and social media.

    “John has a deeply strategic mindset, which has served our industry well. His focus on collaboration, team building and innovation has established a solid foundation for the CMAB’s future,” said CMAB Board Chairman, Noel Rosa.

    “It has been an honor leading the CMAB and serving our dairy community. After 11 years of market evolution, industry challenges, and organizational adjustments, I’m extremely proud of the team we’ve built and what we’ve achieved together. I’m confident in the CMAB’s direction today and the plan in place for future success under Bob’s leadership,” said Talbot.

    Carroll joined CMAB in 2015 with a wealth of domestic and international consumer brand experience including leadership of international strategy and development efforts for Blue Diamond Growers and brand management for Kraft Foods. A U.S. Army veteran, Carroll’s strong leadership skills and expertise in brand marketing, corporate strategic planning and international market development helped to build a Business Development team focused on growth for California dairy at retail, in foodservice and across export markets in Mexico, Latin America, and Asia.

    “I accepted my position at CMAB ten years ago for two reasons: first, I knew I wanted to continue working on behalf of California farmers, and second because of the trust and respect I have for John Talbot,” said Carroll. “Over the last ten years, that respect and admiration has grown exponentially. John is a strategic leader and team-builder who is deeply dedicated to our mission and truly cares about people. Under his leadership, our organization has built a foundation of excellence and results that I’m excited to build upon. With our dairy farmers at the center of everything we do, processors who are increasingly willing to invest in innovation and the future, our passionate and professional team, and consumers who are increasingly returning to real dairy, I could not imagine a better place to serve in leadership.”

    Talbot and Carroll will work closely together during the transition period with Carroll assuming the role of CEO at the CMAB’s May board meeting. Talbot will continue at a reduced capacity over the balance of the year working on a variety of strategic projects.

    The CMAB was founded in 1969 by the state’s dairy farmers. An instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the CMAB continues to be 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.

  • Search Commences for Best Pizza Recipes Featuring California Cheese & Dairy

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has launched the seventh annual Real California Pizza Contest, a nationwide search for the best pizza recipes that showcase Real California cheese and dairy products. The contest, open to professional chefs and culinary students across the U.S., will award $30,000 in total prize money for the most innovative uses of cow’s milk cheeses from California.

    The online entry submission period opens March 20, 2025, and closes May 16, 2025. Twelve finalists will be selected for an all-expense-paid trip to compete head-to-head at a bake-off event July 29, 2025, in Napa, Calif.

    This year’s contest spotlights three new pizza recipe categories:

    • On the Menu: An inventive pizza recipe that contains two or more Real California cheese or dairy products that is already included on the entrant’s restaurant or pizzeria menu.
    • The Big Cheese: A creative take on America’s favorite pie – the cheese pizza – that features Real California Mozzarella and at least two other Real California cheeses.
    • Innovative Wildcard: This pizza recipe is a chef’s chance to “wow” the judging team with an original cheese-centric recipe that includes Real California Mozzarella and a healthy helping of kitchen creativity.

    “Our contest is focused on highlighting the best in pizza from around the country that showcases how California cheeses and dairy ingredients can elevate any restaurant or pizzeria menu,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “The judging team looks forward to seeing submissions in new, fresh categories that celebrate California’s leading foodservice cheese, Mozzarella, as well as other cheese varieties.”

    All online entries will be evaluated, with the top four recipes in each category selected as finalists. The 12 finalists will travel to Napa to compete in the bake-off event at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

    Each category winner will receive $5,000. The overall highest-scoring pizza will be named the Grand Prize Winner, earning an additional $5,000. Finalists who do not win a category will each receive $1,000.

    The contest will be judged by an esteemed panel of award-winning pizza chefs, including 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, renowned Italian and pizza chef Glenn Cybulski, and international champion pizza chef and restaurant owner Laura Meyer.

    Professional chefs and culinary students can review the contest details, official rules, and submit entries at https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/pizza-contest/. This year’s entry form includes pizza name, photograph, ingredient list, and a brief description detailing the recipe concept and use of Real California cheese and dairy.

    With over 250 varieties and styles, cheeses that carry the Real California Milk seal are made with sustainably sourced milk from more than 1,000 family dairy farms across the state. These cheeses bring exceptional flavor and quality to any pizza recipe.

    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.

    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.

  • Student Ambassadors to Share California Dairy Messages With International Audience

    Anissa Borges of Tulare and Dayana Limon Santiago of Wasco have been selected to represent the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Thailand during the 2025 CMAB International Internship Program.

    Anissa Borges

    Borges and Santiago were both chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the California dairy industry, and willingness to travel abroad to learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students with an opportunity to learn about dairy foods and marketing in the international marketplace, with a focus on developing leaders who will serve on dairy industry boards, work in dairy foods processing, or in sales or marketing.

    Over the six-week period, Borges and Santiago will spend time with the in-country CMAB marketing team in Thailand to gain a better understanding of markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “California currently accounts for around 33 percent of all U.S. dairy exports so international trade is essential for our continued growth. Over the last decade and a half, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Thailand to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international dairy marketing for future leaders,” said Glenn Millar, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Borges is currently working towards her B.S in Agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is involved with the Dairy Club. Borges was an active member of FFA, where she showed dairy cattle. She also served as District 9 Dairy Princess during her Junior year of high school. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry and hopes to incorporate this passion into her career.

    Santiago also is attending California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is working towards a B.S in Agricultural Science. She plans to pursue her M.S in Agricultural Education and become an agricultural educator. She is currently a social media manager for the Pacific Coast Coalition, where she creates and manages content highlighting dairy industry trends, innovations and sustainability efforts.

    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 milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    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, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, and Pinterest.

  • California Dairy Students Partner With California Dairy Families to Raise Milk Donations For Families In Need

    One in eight Californians currently struggle with food insecurity, with milk being one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently worked with student dairy advocates from California State University, Chico (Chico State), California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), and Modesto Junior College (MJC) to address this deficit by hosting the second annual Real California Milk Intercollegiate Give-A-Gallon Challenge.

    Using 100-gallon donation commitments from the CMAB as an incentive, students in each area shared information about the need for milk and options for donating through their social media channels. Each team coordinated donations through local and campus milk drives, in person and virtually. As a part of the Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD program, this initiative spotlights ongoing commitment by California dairy families to increasing access to nutritious foods.

    “My passion has always been rooted in the dairy industry, which is why I am so motivated to get milk off of the shelves and into our communities. I’m so thankful for all of the supporters of our milk drive year after year. My favorite part is arriving to a food bank with all of our milk to drop off and seeing everyone’s faces light up,” said Anthony Agueda, California dairy farmer and Fresno State Ag Business student.

    Megan Donaldson, Chico State student and Dairy Science Club president, noted, “Everyone deserves to have quality milk products to enjoy in their home, and this initiative is a wonderful way to provide that. Chico State Dairy Science Club and Chico State Organic Dairy Unit members are proud to represent this amazing industry by donating gallons of Real California Milk to those in need.”

    “Participating in this competition truly showed a new perspective on what food accessibility looks like in our community. We’re extremely grateful to have participated in this challenge and are excited to bring forth new ideas to next year’s competition,” said Morgan Oliveira, Cal Poly student and Dairy Club secretary.

    “Over the last 4 years MJC has donated almost 3,000 gallons of milk to Stanislaus County with this project. It is heartwarming to know that we have donated 48,000 servings of fresh, California milk to those less fortunate in the Central Valley through our efforts to promote Hunger Awareness in our community,” said Nicole Morris, California dairy farmer and MJC dairy science instructor.

    The initiative raised more than 6,000 gallons of milk with donations distributed to 17 local food banks, including student pantries at Cal Poly, Chico State and Fresno State.

    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 milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

    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, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

  • California Cheeses Win Big at 2024 Caputo Cup in Naples, Italy

    The top 3 championship pizzaiolos in the Traditional American Division at the 2024 Trofeo Caputo, aka the Caputo Cup, shared a strong California connection: all three chefs used California-made Mozzarella in their winning pizzas.

    The overall American Division winner, Siler Chapman, is a co-owner with his wife Amber of King of Fire in Fort Mill, SC. Lars Smith, owner of State of Mind Public House & Pizzeria in Los Altos, Calif., earned second place, and Leah Scurto of PizzaLeah in Windsor, Calif., came in third. Scurto, who was sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) for winning the Real California Pizza Contest Tournament of Champions cook-off in October 2023, used two California-made cheeses on her winning pizza.

    “A winning pizza needs a winning cheese. We’re so proud of all of the pizza makers and thrilled that the three best pizzas in the American division were topped with Real California Mozzarella, a testament to the cheesemakers and the quality milk from our California dairy farm families” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB.

    In the American category winner, Chapman took home the prize with his “Honey 2.0” pizza, which included California-made whole milk Mozzarella, sauce, pepperoni, bacon, red pepper flakes and honey. He said that he has been competing in pizza cook-offs since 2003 and had never won a major competition, “I previously won three world championship in acrobatic dough tossing, but to win in the pizza competition in Naples is the biggest accomplishment of my life … next to my family, of course! It really meant the world to me.”

    He added that the winning trophy was a validation of a major business decision that he made earlier this year when he decided to switch cheese suppliers, to source a California-made Mozzarella.

    Smith made a “California-style” pizza to impress the judges and earn second place. The key ingredients on his winning pie were all California-made: Whole-milk Mozzarella, tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil.

    “Competing in the city that gave the world pizza was a dream come true. I really wanted to show off what we do every day in our restaurants, using the same ingredients and techniques,” Smith said. “I believe the best Mozzarella in the world comes from California and I think I proved my point.”

    Smith also earned second place with a Roman-style pizza in the Pinsa, Metro & Pala division, which are styles of long pizzas made on wooden peels.

    Scurto’s award-winning pizza was a three-cheese pie with garlic. “It’s a personal favorite of mine since I was a child,” she said. The pizza included two California-made cheeses: Fresh Mozzarella and an Asiago-style cheese.

    “I was absolutely thrilled to be the CMAB’s representative. As a native Californian, I’m very proud of showcasing all things California around the world,” Scurto said. “Winning the CMAB’s Tournament of Champions allowed me the opportunity to do just that.”

    Besides sharing their love of California Mozzarella, the three chefs maintain a close friendship and were strongly pulling for each other at the Caputo Cup. “The camaraderie was the fun part, as it elevates all of us to be better,” said Chapman.

    Smith added, “The win was being there with so many friends and family celebrating our love for pizza. Getting to share the podium with two of my close friends, Leah and Siler, made it even more special.”

    “The CMAB, California’s dairy farmers and cheesemakers want to say thank you to the three chefs for letting us be a small part of their accomplishments at the 2024 Caputo Cup,” said Mike Gallagher. “And of course we are especially proud to sponsor Chef Leah Scurto, who helped to shine the light on California dairy!”

    California is a reliable, consistent source of sustainable dairy products used by chefs throughout the world. As the nation’s largest dairy state, California boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning cheesemakers and dairy processors that help drive dining innovation nationwide powered by quality milk from California dairy farm families who are focused on a sustainable future.

    Information, tools, and tips for foodservice operators are available at realcaliforniamilk.com/foodservice.

    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 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 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),businessdevelopment@cmab.net or RCM Foodservice Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

  • Real California Milk Kicks Off 6th Annual Search For Pizza Innovation

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the launch of the 2024 Real California Pizza Contest, the sixth annual search for the best pizza recipes using Real California cheese and dairy. The contest, which is open to professional chefs and culinary students throughout the U.S., will award prize money totaling $28,500 for the most innovative uses of cow’s milk cheeses from California. The entry submission period runs from March 18, 2024, through May 17, 2024.

    This year’s contest simplifies submissions into two new categories: Protein and Produce. Protein pizza recipes will highlight meat toppings in combination with Real California Mozzarella and other Real California cheeses. Produce pizza recipes will emphasize the delicious flavors of vegetables and fruits paired with Real California Mozzarella and other Real California cheeses.

    “Each year we bring the best of the best in pizza together to showcase how California cheeses and dairy ingredients – paired with protein, produce or both – are essential tools for pizza flavor and innovation,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “We look forward to reviewing the submissions that celebrate California’s leading foodservice cheese, Mozzarella, and our many cheese varieties.”

    All entries will be evaluated with the top four recipes in each category selected as finalists. The eight finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to compete head-to-head at a bake-off event on August 7, 2024, at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif.

    During the bake-off event, following the main competition, the eight chefs will compete in a separate Three-Cheese pizza bake-off, where they will be randomly paired and charged with crafting a signature three-cheese pizza selected from the wide array of cheeses made with Real California Milk.

    The winners of the Protein and Produce categories will each receive $7,500, and the pair of winning chefs in the Three-Cheese pizza bake-off will split $7,500. All other finalists will receive $750 each.

    Both competitions will be judged by an esteemed panel of award-winning pizza chefs, including 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, renowned Italian and pizza chef Glen Cybulski, and 2023 Real California Pizza Contest grand prize winner Bill Crawford of Righteous Slice in Idaho.

    Professional chefs and culinary students can review the contest details, official rules, and submit entries at pizzacontest.realcaliforniamilk.com. This year’s entry form includes pizza name, photograph, and a brief description detailing the recipe concept and use of Real California dairy.

    Chefs can choose from more than 250 varieties and styles of cheeses that feature the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with sustainably sourced milk from California’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms.

    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 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 100 percent milk from California’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.

  • Real California Milk Debuts Great Mozzarella Showdown Foodservice Recipe Contest

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the launch of the 2024 Great Mozzarella Showdown, an inaugural foodservice recipe contest challenging professional chefs and culinary students to develop creative, non-pizza dishes using California’s number one cheese product: Mozzarella.

    The CMAB is hosting this online recipe contest to build on the ongoing popularity of Mozzarella at foodservice and how it can be used in endless menu innovation. The goal is to showcase ideas using two styles of this versatile cheese in a variety of dishes for different dayparts, including appetizers and handheld items.

    The Great Mozzarella Showdown is open to professional chefs and culinary students in the U.S. and offers participants the opportunity to submit creative recipes in two categories: California Mozzarella and California Fresh Mozzarella.

    Influential foodservice judges will select eight winning recipes from the online submissions based on criteria including innovation, use of cheese as a primary ingredient, and flavor expectations. Professional chefs will conduct a cook off of the eight winning recipes and grand prize champions will be named for each category. Each chef finalist will receive $2,000, with the two winning dishes receiving an additional $2,000 for a total of $4,000 to each category champion. In total, the CMAB will award $20,000 in prize money.

    “This recipe contest is part of our continued efforts to partner with chefs and next generation culinary professionals to showcase the versatility and performance of California Mozzarella as a key foodservice ingredient,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “While we’ve done a lot to focus on the use of California Mozzarella in the pizza and entrée space, as the reigning cheese in our foodservice portfolio, the Great Mozzarella Showdown will serve to inspire awareness of the endless opportunities for use in appetizers, handhelds, flatbreads, salads and more.”

    The entry period for submitting recipes is January 8-February 16, 2024. The eight winning recipes/chefs will be announced on February 29, 2024, with the two grand champions named in mid-April. For more information, including entry details, visit greatmozzarellashowdown.realcaliforniamilk.com/.

    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 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 100 percent milk from California’s more than 1,100 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), businessdevelopment@cmab.net or RealCaliforniaMilk.com/Foodservice, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

  • Real California Milk Brings Back Cheese Wreath Kit, Giving Back To Communities In Need

    In celebration of the holidays, today the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) released its second collaboration with cheese shop Lady & Larder – the California Cheese Wreath Kit, a collection of Real California cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and other items used to create an edible arrangement for seasonal gatherings and gift giving. In the spirit of giving, for each kit ordered a donation of $20* will be made to provide fluid milk to Feeding America food banks in California in support of families in need.

    The California Cheese Wreath kit features three cow’s milk specialty cheeses made with Real California Milk from the state’s farm families, candied pecans, dried citrus wheels, raisins, honey, crackers, and herbs along with a round bamboo cheese board as well as instructions for assembling a festive cheese wreath. The wreath sells for $175 and is available for pickup at Lady & Larder in Santa Monica or online (https://www.ladyandlarder.com/collections/the-gift-shop/products/real-california-cheese-wreath-2023) for shipping throughout the U.S.

    “Cheese is an essential part of the holidays and the California cheese wreath brings all of the elements together for the ultimate holiday centerpiece. And the best part is the whole family can take part in assembling this beautiful arrangement that also supports families in need,” said Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications for the CMAB.

    The initiative is part of the CMAB’s ongoing #CADAIRY4GOOD initiative, which focuses on increasing access to nutritious dairy foods made with Real California Milk for California individuals and families in need and identifying sustainable partnerships to expand the reach and resources available to feeding programs throughout the state.

    California is the number one dairy state with 1,100 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a greener, more sustainable future. California products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    * $20 will be donated to Feeding America for each California Cheese Wreath Kit purchased with a guaranteed donation of $10,000 to Feeding America. Only California Cheese Wreath Kit purchases at Lady & Larder between November 20, 2023 and January 30, 2024 qualify.

    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, Facebook, YouTube,Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    Lady & Larder

    Twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms are the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the Los Angeles based cheese and wine shop credited with starting a global grazing board movement. Founded in 2016, Lady & Larder proudly supports 100% domestic, American-made seasonal products and specializes in custom edible displays, carefully sourcing only the best for their crudités, fruit, cheese, and charcuterie. For those unable to visit their shop in person, the duo also offers online classes and workshops, as well as ships beautifully curated cheese boards, charcuterie kits, and seasonal culinary gifts nationwide. To Learn more, please visit ladyandlarder.com.

  • Celebrating Mornings With California Cheese And Dairy

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the return of its consumer promotion focused on holiday breakfast traditions made special with California dairy. The annual campaign – titled Holiday Mornings Mean More – debuted in 2020 and focuses on the California market.

    Holiday Mornings Mean More communicates messages of family, togetherness, and the importance of celebrating time together over the special breakfast recipes we spend a little extra time on during the season. The featured promotional menu provides a turn-key solution for busy shoppers, where any of the recipes can be scaled up or down to accommodate gathering sizes. The menu includes recipes designed to be enjoyed together such as a Greek Veggie and Feta Frittata, Ricotta Churro Waffles, California Breakfast Sopes and Chocolate Chip Sheet Pan Pancakes.

    The promotion, which runs November 8 through December 31, will be geotargeted around 1,162 California stores including Ralphs, Safeway, Raley’s, Mollie Stone’s, and Cardenas, among others. It will be supported with in-store media and shopper marketing activations. Integrated digital media will include banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, Instacart SEM, targeted email blasts, influencer activations, sponsored social media posts, and targeted display banner ads.

    “Dairy is an essential part of breakfast. These holiday breakfast recipes were curated to showcase the best of California dairy while inspiring families to spend time together during the holidays creating new traditions in the kitchen,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “High quality, sustainably produced California dairy products are perfect additions to make breakfast as a family that much more special.”

    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 products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families using sustainable farming practices.

    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, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Eight Startups Compete in 5th Annual California Dairy Innovation Competition

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in partnership with innovation advisory VentureFuel, has announced the eight finalists selected to participate in the 5th Real California Milk Excelerator competition – the search to identify, curate, and accelerate the very best dairy-based products that introduce novel benefits and drive use of California milk and dairy in formulations.

    The largest global dairy accelerator, this year’s Open Innovation theme attracted dozens of applications from five countries, all with a goal of securing a spot as one of this year’s participants in the three-month program that provides access to non-dilutive funding, mentors, investors and buyers, and the California Milk Advisory Board’s specialized network of resources. The cohort represents themes of global flavors, functional benefits, and sustainability from upcycling byproducts of dairy production to packaging from renewable sources – all made with at least 50% real dairy.

    The eight members of the 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator cohort and their products are:

    Arbo’s Queso Dip (Memphis, Tenn.) – Gluten-free, keto-friendly queso-style cheese dips for retail.

    The Empanada Shop (Redondo Beach, Calif.) – Empanadas combining golden, flaky crust, creamy, melted cheese and a fusion of Latin American tradition and California flavors for retail and foodservice.

    New Alchemy Distilling (El Doradao Hills, Calif.) – A distillery making Spilt clarified milk punch cocktails in a can made with natural ingredients, zero stabilizers and upcycled whey from cheesemaking.

    Amazing Ice Creams (Stockton, Calif.) – Cookie Wild cookie wafer ice cream bar novelties enrobed in chocolate to stay crunchy.

    Noorysha Yo-Gut (Los Angeles, Calif.) – Specialty probiotic dairy product designed to support gut health.

    Petit Pot (Emeryville, Calif.) – French-style dairy desserts in paper-based cups made with >80% stainable/renewable fiber.

    Shakewell (Garden Grove, Calif.) – Fresh high protein drink made with five ingredients, including upcycled whey.

    WonderCow Nutrition (Valencia, Calif.) – All-natural bovine colostrum powder supplement that promotes immunity, muscle recovery and gut health.

    With real dairy’s versatility of benefits and functionality, from nutrition and flavor to texture and chemical composition, this open approach encourages innovation across product categories, all leveraging the versatility of the California dairy ecosystem.

    “The Open Innovation theme is exciting because of the variety of applications we received, and the myriad of ways startups and established brands are innovating with real milk and dairy ingredients,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “We continue to see themes of global flavors and ingredients, a focus on sustainable sourcing and packaging, and products that go deep on the functional benefits inherent in dairy to address specific consumer needs from protein to gut health. Each member of the cohort brings something new and exciting to the marketplace and we’re looking forward to supporting their journey and ultimately seeing these products in the market with the Real California Milk seal.”

    These eight participants have access to a group stipend and a robust network of resources to refine and scale their product and business. They will also participate in the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentorship Program, consisting of elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing industries. Past mentors have included venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and executives from organizations like Unilever, UNFI and Mondelez to name a few.

    “The Real California Milk Excelerator is a testament to the dairy community’s commitment to forging novel connections with consumers and unexplored markets,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “We’ve seen incredible displays of innovation and ingenuity from participants over the past four years, and our 2023 cohort continues to underscore the boundless possibilities within the dairy sector. VentureFuel is proud to be working with the California Milk Advisory Board for the fifth year of this program, and to continue working together to push conventional boundaries and influence transformative change in the market.”

    The cohort will present their companies and products at a live pitch event on November 16th where four of the eight participants will each receive $30,000 to grow and expand their product in California and gain access to an Investor/Buyer Virtual Roadshow. One participating company will unlock an additional $100,000 grand prize by establishing their presence in California and exhibiting the most promising growth within 12 months of the final competition. Total prize and program value is $500,000.

    The 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,100 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.

    Over the past four years, the Real California Milk Excelerator has worked with more than 45 startups across numerous categories including food, beverage, direct-to-consumer platforms, textiles, and personal care. Representing nearly 40 percent of states across the U.S., program alumni have gone from idea to distribution with organizations such as UNFI and KeHE; and many can now be found on the shelves of retailers like Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Amazon, and Whole Foods.

    Details about the 2023 cohort, mentors and the final pitch event are available at realcamilkexcelerator.com.

    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, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change. Its innovation programs solve clients’ biggest challenges via startup collaborations. VentureFuel provides organizations like Comcast NBCUniversal, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the State of California the tools to accelerate transformation with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.