As consumer demand for high-protein menu options continues to reshape the restaurant industry, Real California Milk Foodservice has launched a new protein-focused resource center designed to help chefs and foodservice operators capitalize on one of today’s fastest-growing menu trends.
Available at RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com/protein, the new hub brings together culinary inspiration, nutrition information and practical business resources that demonstrate how California dairy ingredients can help operators create craveable, protein-forward menu items that drive guest satisfaction and profitability.
From breakfast through late-night menus, milk, cheese and yogurt naturally deliver high-quality protein while offering the flavor, versatility and functionality chefs rely on every day. The new online destination showcases how Real California dairy products can elevate menu innovation across virtually every restaurant segment.
“Our goal is to provide foodservice professionals with practical tools that make it easier to respond to evolving consumer preferences,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at the California Milk Advisory Board. “Protein continues to be one of the strongest drivers of menu decisions, and California dairy offers operators a simple, delicious way to deliver the protein consumers are looking for while creating memorable dining experiences.”
The new protein section features:
• Chef-inspired, protein-rich recipes featuring Real California dairy ingredients
• Menu development ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking occasions
• Business insights on leveraging protein trends to increase menu value and profitability
• Guidance for incorporating dairy into protein-forward menu strategies
• Educational resources highlighting the nutritional benefits and versatility of California dairy products
• Inspiration for building balanced, craveable dishes that appeal to today’s health-conscious consumers
The new protein hub complements the Real California Milk Foodservice website’s extensive collection of recipes, supplier resources, chef inspiration and product information, further strengthening its role as a comprehensive resource for foodservice professionals seeking innovative dairy solutions.
California is the number one dairy state. 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.
In honor of June as National Dairy Month, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is partnering for the fourth year with Raley’s Food For Families program to deliver milk and dairy foods to nourish families in California communities.
Throughout June, California dairy families, through the CMAB, will match customer donations made in-store and online to the Food For Families program dollar-for-dollar, up to $35,000, helping supply California dairy products to feeding programs. Messaging featuring “Do Good with Dairy” will appear in-store and across digital channels to raise awareness of the initiative.
In California, over 1.8 million households face food insecurity.
“Even in the most productive agricultural state in the nation, families can struggle with food insecurity and nutritional challenges,” said California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “When we work together – the way the California Milk Advisory Board and Raley’s are for Dairy Month – we can get more fresh, nutritious dairy products where they are needed most, and where they can do the most good.”
“As a California dairy farmer, I strongly believe in making milk and dairy foods accessible to families, as they are among the most nutritious and affordable options available,” said Nicole Morris, who operates JNM Dairy with her husband. “This partnership provides essential support to communities while emphasizing the vital role dairy plays in supporting families’ health and well-being.”
Milk donations will be distributed to 12 Food For Family partner food banks – Alameda County Community Food Bank, Central California Food Bank, Food Bank for Monterey County, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Feeding the Foothills, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley and Yolo Food Bank.
“Milk is a nutrient-rich staple that plays a vital role in helping our neighbors maintain healthy food choices at home. We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership between the CMAB and Raley’s Food For Families. Being able to provide dairy products like milk to the community makes a meaningful difference,” said Second Harvest of the Greater Valley CEO Jessica Vaughan .
Raley’s absorbs all administrative costs to maximize the impact of every donation.
“Throughout the year we welcome donations to Food For Families to nourish our communities,” said Zoe Edwards, Raley’s Food For Families Operations Manager. “Dairy remains one of the most in-demand, nutritious food groups and an important source of protein that food banks are eager to ensure access to. We are proud to partner with Real California Milk to supply dairy products to our food bank partners.”
The Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD platform focuses on increasing access to dairy foods for individuals and families throughout California through partnerships to pilot programs to deliver product and refrigeration resources to the state’s food banks and feeding programs. — Story Contributed by the California Milk and Raley’s Food For Families
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a variety of on-trend dairy products at the 2026 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Orlando, Fla. June 7-9. As a key exhibitor at the event, which brings together 10,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibiting companies at the largest industry-only trade show for dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice professionals, CMAB will connect with industry professionals while sharing all that California dairy has to offer through on-trend culinary dishes and more.
An assortment of dairy applications will be sampled throughout the show in CMAB’s booth #2035, including specialty cheese, cultured dairy beverages, kefir, desserts and premium dairy ingredients. California culinary expert Joe Baird will showcase a selection of trending recipes including Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Black Sesame Orange Compound Butter, French Onion Soup Dip On Toasted Brioche, Lavender Blackberry Chai Latte, Quesadilla Al Pastor With Pineapple Lime Crema, Panna Cotta Chocolate Dipped Drumsticks with Roasted Hazelnut Crunch and Banana Fosters Milkshakes will be featured in the Real California Kitchen.
California dairy processors in attendance include Albertson’s (Lucerne), Amazing Ice Cream, Angelo & Franco, Bellwether Farms, Belfiore Cheese, Cheese Bits/Yummy Industries, Crystal Creamery, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Karoun Dairies, Lifeway Foods, Marin French Cheese Co., Marquez Brothers, Mid Valley Family Foods, Pacific Cheese, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Scott Brothers Dairy, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. and Sweet Craft Dolceria. — Story Contributed by the California Milk Advisory Board
Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar and Victoria Paolini of Los Banos have been selected to serve as interns for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Julia Basch of Los Angeles and Ellie Dyt of Crows Landing will serve in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the 2026 CMAB International Internship Program.
Victoria Paolini of Los Banos
These individuals were 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, the interns will spend time with the in-country CMAB marketing teams in Thailand and Mexico to gain a better understanding of markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.
“California accounts for approximately 33 percent of total U.S. dairy exports, making international trade critical to the industry’s continued growth. For more than 15 years, the California Milk Advisory Board has partnered with international organizations to build and expand markets for California dairy products. This program is designed to give future industry leaders firsthand insight into international dairy marketing,” said Glenn Millar, Executive Vice President, Strategy and International Markets for the CMAB.
Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar
Oliveira is working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is Vice President of the Dairy Club. She is also an intern for the Animal Ag Alliance, and has interned for the World Dairy Expo, Hoard’s Dairyman and the Ag Council of California. Additionally, Oliveira was a State FFA officer and District 4 Dairy Princess during high school. She plans to pursue an M.S. in Agricultural Communications and focus on strategic communication and agricultural policy upon graduation.
Julia Basch of Los Angeles
Basch attends University of California, Los Angeles where she is currently working towards her B.S in Public Affairs and Food Studies. She has gained firsthand experience in selling and promoting artisan cheese, as well as working with customers and leading cheese tastings. After graduation she plans to join her family’s business, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. to continue the multigenerational legacy of sustainable dairy farming.
Dyt is currently working towards her B.S in Agricultural Business with a minor in Dairy Industries at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is involved with the Dairy Club. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA, where she showed dairy cattle and participated in dairy judging. Dyt also served as District 4 Dairy Princess during her senior 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.
Paolini is earning a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is an active member of the Dairy Club. She has also worked on an international research initiative through the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center and has served as a co-director of the Pacific Coast Coalition DBII podcast. She was also very involved in the California Holstein Association.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
The countdown to the holidays is on, and the Real California Milk taste team is making it easier than ever to spread cheer with delicious gifts straight from the Golden State. From artisan cheeses to small-batch dairy treats, these California dairy gift boxes celebrate the craftsmanship and sustainability of the state’s dairy farm families.
Shop Local, Gift Deliciously
California’s dairy artisans make holiday gifting effortless. Choose from curated collections that fit every taste and budget—all featuring the Real California Milk seal, your assurance that each product is made with wholesome, sustainably sourced milk from California dairy farms.
Whether sending a thoughtful gift to loved ones or elevating your own holiday table, these California-made cheese and dairy gifts are a meaningful way to support local producers while indulging in the best the state has to offer.
Explore and Order Online
Find the perfect California cheese box, butter sampler, or ice cream gift set—shipped directly from the state’s finest creameries to your doorstep. Visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com to discover California cheeses and dairy products at retail and find perfect pairing ideas to complete your holiday celebration.
California Dairy: Wholesome, Sustainable, and Local
California is the number one dairy state, home to more than 1,000 family-owned farms dedicated to quality and sustainability. Every purchase of Real California Milk products supports these farm families and contributes to a more sustainable dairy future.
About Real California Milk / California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, represents the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a mission to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, CMAB promotes California dairy products, including California dairy gifts, artisan cheeses, and other sustainably sourced dairy foods, across retail, foodservice, and global markets. These efforts help connect consumers to high-quality products made with Real California Milk and support holiday gifting trends that highlight local, sustainable foods. Connect and learn more at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Leslie Ganzer to its Foodservice team. In her new role, Ganzer will support engagement initiatives with major foodservice operators and distributors to expand participation in CMAB programs.
Ganzer joins CMAB with a strong background in strategic sales execution, partner development and account retention across the foodservice and manufacturing sectors. She most recently served as a Territory Account Manager at Informa, where she led sponsorship sales and renewal growth for national events such as the Restaurant Leadership Conference. She also implemented AI-driven prospecting and analytics tools to modernize client outreach and performance tracking.
Prior to Informa, Ganzer held multiple leadership roles at foodservice market research firm, Technomic Inc., where she managed multimillion-dollar accounts with national chains, broadline distributors, commodity boards and manufacturers. Her earlier career with EcoSure (Ecolab) and C.H. Robinson provided deep insight into large-scale food safety, logistics and operations.
At CMAB, Ganzer will focus on strengthening partnerships and aligning dairy marketing initiatives with operator needs and trends. Her experience bridges analytics and sales strategy—helping CMAB deepen its relationships with key industry partners and enhance its data-driven approach to foodservice growth.
“Leslie’s combination of strategic sales experience and foodservice insights will bring tremendous value to our operator and distributor relationships,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at CMAB. “Her proven ability to grow partnerships and deliver measurable results aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the reach of Real California dairy products across the foodservice industry.”
Ganzer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Relations from the University of Iowa.
California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Adrienne Daniels asExecutive 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.
