California Ag Network

Tag: Dairy Marketing

  • California Milk Advisory Board Announces Recent Organizational Promotions

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced a series of strategic promotions that recognize the contributions of four accomplished individuals who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

    Veronique Lagrange Promoted to Executive Director of CDIC
    Veronique’s leadership of the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has connected industry partners, academic institutions, and external stakeholders toward achieving a common goal of advancing product, process, and packaging innovation for California dairy. She has spearheaded efforts to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for California through the Pacific Coast Coalition and was a driving force in its creation. She recognized a gap in training and development, and has organized dozens of short courses, providing training for hundreds of dairy professionals across California and beyond. Veronique and her team have developed product concepts and prototypes and assisted both entrepreneurs and existing processors with formulation assistance to jump-start product innovation.

    Katie Cameron Promoted to Director of Foodservice

    For the past four years, Katie Cameron has served as Senior Manager of Foodservice at the CMAB, where she has supported growth opportunities for California dairy processors and helped strengthen relationships with key distributor and industry partners. Katie evolved the organization’s foodservice distributor tours, adding educational and training elements that have enhanced the attendee experience and deepened processor engagement. She played a central role in advancing foodservice culinary contests and events—creating platforms that raise visibility for Real California dairy and support volume growth. Katie brings a well-rounded background in sales, marketing and research that has helped shape CMAB’s foodservice strategy and broaden its impact across the industry.

    Jarett Margolis Promoted to Director of Business Development

    Jarett has led the Real California Milk Excelerator innovation program for the last seven years, accelerating over 50 start-ups and providing ongoing mentoring to them and numerous other RCM entrepreneurs. With a keen eye towards results and a strong sense of stewardship, he’s led the evolution of the program to one that is focused on commercial results and guided by return to our dairy farmers. He pioneered dairy entrepreneur classes at multiple California universities, a program that has attracted national attention, and importantly invested in the future of our industry in California. A consummate can-do leader, Jarett has led several projects developing business propositions for value-added California dairy products and co-led CMAB’s strategic planning the last two years.

    Maddy Martin Promoted to Senior Analyst

    Over the last six years, Maddy has supported the U.S. and International Business Development teams as a coordinator, providing reliable and diligent support. Her strong analytical capabilities have allowed her to elevate CMAB’s data-driven decision-making, providing valuable insights through comprehensive data analysis, reporting, and the ongoing stewardship of key databases. These efforts have enhanced internal visibility, improved workflow efficiency, and supported strategic planning across departments. Maddy has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Salesforce CRM platform, assisting with organizational onboarding and helping to design and refine custom features tailored to the diverse needs of CMAB’s business development teams.

    “Each of these team members has made a measurable and lasting impact on the California dairy community, and their promotions reflect both their individual accomplishments and the strength of our organization as a whole,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Their leadership has advanced innovation, strengthened key relationships, elevated the visibility of Real California Milk, and positioned us for continued growth. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to the contributions they will continue to make in their new roles as we work together to drive demand for California dairy.”

    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.

  • Smearcase’s Frozen Cottage Cheese Wins $100,000 at Real California Milk Excelerator Competition

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced Smearcase as the grand prize winner at the 7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition. The award was presented during the 2025 RCM Excelerator live pitch event on December 11th in Napa, Calif., where four new finalists were also selected to compete for the 2026 grand prize.

    This competitive program is designed to drive value-added dairy innovation using California milk, ultimately strengthening the state’s dairy industry by providing brands with access to sustainably produced milk as well as resources, expertise, and non-dilutive funding to grow their businesses. As the winner of the 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator, Smearcase will receive $100,000 worth of marketing support from the CMAB to continue scaling their dairy-based innovation with milk from California dairy farm families.

    Through the Excelerator, early-stage companies are able to leverage the power of Real California Dairy by accessing:

    • Tailored content and resources specific to the dairy industry, including access to quality, sustainably sourced milk, and other dairy ingredients
    • Mentorship from leading experts across product development, marketing, distribution, and sales
    • Extensive exposure to industry stakeholders

    Smearcase was one of four finalists named in 2024 when the company was selected for its innovation as the first cottage cheese-based ice cream infused with collagen. As a “better-for-you” ice cream option, Smearcase features the most protein per pint of ice cream at about 40 grams and does not use artificial gums or sweeteners. Targeting health-conscious consumers, co-founders Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirito, launched the New York City-based brand after training for a marathon and identifying a market gap for high-protein ice cream.

    Since being selected for the 2024 cohort, the founders have scaled production using Real California Milk and continue to demonstrate their company’s tremendous potential. Smearcase won this year’s Grand Prize based on their sales growth throughout the year. The company was recognized as a Dairy Foods 2025 Dairy Product of the Year Finalist and over the past year launched their products regionally in Whole Foods and will debut in Sprouts markets in Q1 2026. The $100,000 grand prize will provide marketing support for initiatives like on-pack promotions, digital and instant redeemable coupons, product sampling, and in-store signage to further drive brand awareness and retail expansion.

    “The California Milk Advisory Board has taken our business to a whole new level,” Smearcase co-founder Joe Rotondo said. “They’ve opened doors that allowed us to work with world-class partners. We’ve increased the quality of our product and increased the scalability of our business with their collaboration.”

    The Real California Milk Excelerator was established by the CMAB seven years ago to drive transformational growth for innovative dairy products that can deliver value both to consumers and the dairy community. Programs like the Excelerator play a crucial role in bridging the gap for high-potential food and beverage startups.

    “Innovation pushes our industry forward, and Smearcase is a clear example of what happens when bold thinking meets real dairy. Their frozen cottage cheese is opening an entirely new lane in frozen indulgence. We’re proud to support their growth through the Real California Milk Excelerator and give consumers another fresh way to enjoy the benefits real California milk and dairy can offer,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.

    At the 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator Live Pitch Event, attendees also experienced product tastings and exhibitions from seven pioneering dairy startups, and witnessed the selection of four new finalists chosen by a panel of judges from this year’s cohort:

    • Joseph Farms‘ String Cheese (Atwater, Calif.) – 99% lactose-free string cheese with 7g protein per stick.
    • Mavens Creamery (San Jose, Calif.) – Asian-inspired indulgent ice cream made with rich, exotic ingredients in flavors like Thai Tea, Durian, and Black Sesame.
    • Pioneer Pastures (Bozeman, MT) – Ultra Filtered, A2 whole milks crafted for superior nutrition and taste with higher protein and lower sugar for easier digestion.
    • Sweet Craft Dessert Cups (Oceanside, Calif.) – Clean-label, Italian-inspired dessert cups in BPA-free packaging.

    “This year’s grand prize winner and finalists reflect the energy and creativity of California dairy,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “Their ideas are reshaping the category, and we’re proud to stand behind them with the CMAB as they help spark continued innovation and growth for dairy.”

    The final pitch event offered industry stakeholders an opportunity to engage with products poised to shape the future of dairy, while also showcasing the commitment of California’s dairy farmers to sustainable practices. 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.

    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.

    7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition finalists

    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.

    About VentureFuel

    VentureFuel helps accelerate enterprise growth through startup partnerships. Its custom accelerators drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California with the tools to learn, test, build and invest in what’s next. 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.

  • 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.

  • Unused Assessments Collected By The Dairy Marketing Branch Now Available To Fund Ca Dairy Industry-Focused Research

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) recently conducted a referendum among California Market Milk Producers to consider whether the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) should be terminated. The deadline to vote in the referendum was September 10, 2025.

    On September 9, 2025, prior to the end of the voting period for the referendum, over 50 ballots were hand-delivered to the Department by a third party. Visual inspection upon receipt confirmed that the ballots had been removed from their sealed envelopes. Due to these unusual circumstances, the Department has decided to reissue the affected ballots and grant a special extension to vote to the producers whose ballots were received open. These new ballots are going out in the mail today; only properly completed and signed ballots, postmarked or otherwise received by the Department in a sealed envelope no later than October 24, 2025, will be counted.

    The Department will announce and notify all California Market Milk producers of the referendum results following tabulation of the ballots. Tabulation of ballots will not begin until the special extension period for receiving ballots has concluded.

    A copy of the notice to industry regarding the “Petition to Terminate the QIP #5” resubmitted by StopQIP on August 6, 2024 can be viewed here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/notices/2025_QIP_Petition_for_Referendum_Notice.p

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    The current QIP can be viewed here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/QuotaImplementationPlan.pdf.

    If you have any questions regarding the referendum, please contact the Quota Administration Program at pooling@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-5012.

  • 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.

  • Dairy Business Innovation Grant Through USDA Farm Bill

    Although the 2018 Farm Bill did not solve all of agriculture’s economic problems, there was one specific provision providing funds to improve US dairy marketing that producers should know about and may apply for.  Watch this brief interview with Dana Coale from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service for more details.

  • Three Ways the Farm Bill Can Assist Dairy Producers

    There are multiple ways the 2018 Farm Bill is assisting the dairy industry through some difficult times, but watch this brief interview with Dana Coale from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, as she explains three of the provisions dairy producers should know about. Read more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • Undeniably Dairy to Boost Milk Sales with Consumer Engagement

    Remember the old got milk commercials that got consumers excited about dairy?  Today, the big dairy campaign is known as “Undeniably Dairy”.  This is funded through the National Dairy Checkoff program, managed by Dairy Management, Inc (DMI).  Watch this brief interview with DMI Chair, Marilyn Hershey, and read more about DMI’s efforts to promote the industry in California Dairy Magazine.