California Ag Network

Tag: Real California Milk

  • California Dairy Short Course Training Opportunities and Conference For 2025

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for short courses and events as a part of its 2025 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference – February 18-20, 2025 – Cliffs Resort & Spa, Shell Beach, Calif.
    In collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Coast Coalition, this conference highlights advancements in dairy product innovation. This event will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing as presented by today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry.

    More information and registration are available here.

    Buttermaking & Milk Fat Fundamentals – March 12, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. This one-day course will combine lectures and hands-on learning focused on buttermaking processes and milk fat technology. Innovation in the sector will featured in addition to solid training on fundamentals. Registration will be posted here.

    Dairy Products & Processing 201 – April 24, 2025 – Petaluma area, Calif. A one-day introduction to processes used to formulate dairy products, with in-depth review of regulations, packaging and claims. This is a free program open to all California-based processors, academia and supply chain partners.Registration will be posted here.

    Frozen Desserts – May 20-21, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    A two-day deep dive into frozen dessert formulations, which will include 100% hands-on pilot plant demos and prototyping. The focus will be on innovative products: no sugar added, high protein, cottage cheese ice cream, “boozy” frozen desserts, ethnic flavors and more. Registration will be posted here.

    R&D Best Practices – June 17-19, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    This three-day program will feature lectures and is focused on process and helpful tools for research and development, featuring best practices for dairy products. Ideal for QA, R&D and operations – entry and junior level. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    Exploring Cooking & Acid-Set Cheeses – October 7-8, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. Two days of hands-on cheesemaking workshops, which will focus on acid-set cheeses and their culinary uses. This new program will feature a variety of fresh and other cheeses used in food service and processed foods applications with a global flair, from fromage frais to paneer. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) 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 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, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X 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.

  • Petit Pot Takes $100,000 Grand Prize at 2024 Real California Milk Excelerator

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and VentureFuel announced Petit Pot as the grand prize winner in the 2024 Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition. The award was presented during the Future of Dairy Expo and Final Pitch Event on November 14th in San Ramon, CA, where four new finalists were also selected to compete for the 2025 grand prize.

    This competitive program is designed to drive value-added dairy innovation using California milk, ultimately strengthening the industry by providing startups with access to sustainably produced milk as well as resources, expertise, and non-dilutive funding to grow their businesses. As the winner of the 2024 RCM Excelerator, Petit Pot will receive $100,000 worth of marketing support from the CMAB to continue scaling their dairy-based desserts in California and beyond.

    Through the Real California Milk Excelerator, early-stage companies are able to leverage the power of Real California Dairy through access to:

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

    Petit Pot was one of four finalists in the 2023 RCM Excelerator event. The company was selected for its innovation in product packaging with the introduction of a paper dessert cup to further drive its commitment to sustainability. Since being selected for the 2023 cohort, founder Maxime Pouvreau has scaled up production in California and demonstrated his company’s tremendous potential for growth. The CMAB selected the company as the Grand Prize Winner based on the company’s $2MM+ in retail sales over a one-year period and rapidly expanding presence through 6,000 stores across the country. 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.

    Headquartered in Emeryville, Calif, Petit Pot was founded by French-born pastry chef Maxime Pouvreau and specializes in single-serve gourmet desserts crafted with dairy and other organic ingredients.  The company has seen rapid growth since it first participated in the Excelerator’s snack-focused competition in 2020.

    “We’re thrilled for Petit Pot to be recognized as the top choice in this year’s Real California Milk Excelerator competition,” said Maxime Pouvreau, Petit Pot’s Founder. “Wellness-focused snacking is on the rise, and more people are looking for indulgent, yet balanced, options. Petit Pot offers a rich, creamy treat that satisfies those cravings without compromise. With the CMAB’s support, we look forward to bringing our French-inspired desserts to even more people across the country.”

    The Real California Milk Excelerator was established by CMAB to drive transformational growth for innovative dairy products that can deliver value both to consumers and to the dairy community. At a time when venture funding for food and beverage startups has slowed, programs like the Excelerator play a crucial role in bridging the gap for high-potential food and beverage startups.

    “Innovation is the lifeblood of any brand and any product category. Our continued investment in amplifying products in the value-added space supports the sustainability of our industry while providing consumers with more options for tapping into the unique benefits that come from only real milk and dairy,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB.

    At the 2024 Future of Dairy Expo, attendees also experienced product tastings and exhibitions from 20+ pioneering dairy startups, and witnessed the selection of four new finalists chosen by the CMAB from this year’s incubator cohort during the live pitch event:

    • Pluff, a fluffy protein dessert with high nutritional value, represented by its founder, Dylan Paul;
    • Projo*, an instant coffee blend infused with dairy and collagen, represented by Charbel Mawad, founder and CEO;
    • Smearcase, a cottage-cheese-based ice cream, represented by founder and CEO, Joe Rotondo;
    • And Todo, a meal replacement shake with a balanced nutritional content, represented by founder, Niket Soni.

    “The passion and creativity we’ve seen from this year’s Grand Prize Winner and Finalists exemplify the bold future of California dairy,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “From sustainable practices to breakthrough flavors, these founders are redefining what dairy can be. We’re thrilled to support their journeys as they open new possibilities and help drive California’s dairy industry’s continued growth and innovation.”

    The 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.

    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, TikTok, X, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory that helps the world’s best organizations ignite change through startup collaborations. Its innovation programs include Diagnostics, Corporate Accelerators and Commercial Pilots; and focus on solving clients’ biggest challenges by driving greater efficiencies; closing strategic capability gaps; and identifying emerging business models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Opportunity For Student Ambassadors To Share California Dairy Messages With International Audiences

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have 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, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, December 6, 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 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 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 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.

  • Real California Milk Excelerator Innovation Competition Announces Health and Wellness Cohort

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), in partnership with VentureFuel, has announced the eight finalists for the 6th Real California Milk Excelerator during the program’s kick-off in Davis, CA.

    This year’s competition, centered on health and wellness, focuses on harnessing the nutritional benefits of real dairy and features startups with products designed to improve digestion, boost cognitive function, provide balanced nutrition, support hydration, and deliver sustainable, convenient solutions for busy lifestyles.

    The cohort includes:

    • Smearcase(Dover, Del.) – Smearcase is the first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen. Featuring the most protein per pint of ice cream at 40 grams, this ‘better-for-you’ ice cream does not use artificial gums or sweeteners.
    • Stellify/Insymmetry LLC(Yorba Linda, Calif.) – Stellify is a low-calorie, functional, dairy-based energy and wellness shot made with reduced-fat lactose-free milk for lactose-intolerant individuals. It features natural caffeine from coffee cherry, theobromine, and L-theanine.
    • Drink Todo(Grand Island, NY) – Drink Todo is a high protein, high fiber breakfast smoothie designed to provide a convenient and nutritious solution for busy lifestyles. Featuring 25 grams of milk protein, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, Todo offers a complete meal in every bottle.
    • Voyager Milk(Boca Raton, Fla.) – Voyager Milk is the only USDA organic whole milk for toddlers, produced in a convenient stick-pack format.
    • Point ReyesFarmstead Cheese Co. (Point Reyes, Calif.) – Curd Cup is a premium 6 ounce single serving cottage cheese with global savory flavors. This dairy-rich snack is a clean-eating option with protein, calcium and good fat to keep your energy going.
    • Pluff(Toronto, Canada) – Pluff is a high-protein dessert primarily made from a combination of Greek yogurt, heavy cream, cottage cheese, and whey protein blended and whipped together.
    • Projo(Los Gatos, Calif.) – Projo is an instant coffee blend of organic Arabica coffee, marine collagen, organic coffee fruit extract, digestive enzymes, and 100% whole milk. This coffee boosts energy and supports health and wellness.
    • TruJoy Yogurt (Austin, Texas) – TruJoy is an elevated frozen Greek yogurt made with simple, natural and timeless ingredients. It boasts a robust nutritional profile, with protein and probiotics, as well as a clean label, appealing to the ingredient conscious.

    In addition to a cash stipend, participants will gain access to a program of elite mentorship from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing.

    John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board

    “The Real California Milk Excelerator continues to push the boundaries of dairy innovation, and this year’s focus on health and wellness is particularly exciting,” John Talbot, CEO of CMAB said. “We are committed to supporting these startups as they develop and bring their health-focused innovations to market.”

    This year’s program will culminate in an exclusive look at the future of the dairy category during the “Future of Dairy Expo” on November 14 where attendees will be able to meet the cohort, sample their products and hear from experts on key category trends and insights. The event will close with the RCM Excelerator Final Pitch Event and finalist selection where a panel of judges will award up to $500,000 worth of total value prizing.

    “We are thrilled to announce the latest cohort for the Real California Milk Excelerator,” Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel said. “Together, we are unlocking the full potential of dairy to enhance well-being and pave the way for the future.”

    In addition to the primary cohort, this year the Excelerator has expanded to include an incubator designed to foster the development of early-stage and student-led dairy innovations. Seven companies will join the inaugural incubator cohort, including Mighty Smooth, Sauce Plus, and BuffMoo in affiliation with Fresno State University; Joelato and  Moove Hydration in affiliation with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Sol in affiliation with Chapman University; and Yo’s Froyo Bites.

    For more information about the cohort visit the Real California Milk Excelerator.

    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.

  • Chefs Awarded Top Prizes For Innovative Use Of Real California Cheeses

    Following a live bake-off competition where eight professional chefs from across the United States were judged on their innovative pizzas highlighting California cow’s milk cheeses, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) crowned three new pizza champions in the 2024 Real California Pizza Contest, the premier national search for the best pizza recipes that feature Real California Cheeses.

    Eddie Stalewski took home the $7,500 (protein category) prize for his Rose Bowl pizza.

    In the protein-focused category, Eddie Stalewski, chef of Mercurio’s in Pittsburgh, Pa., grabbed the contest’s $7,500 prize for his Rose Bowl pizza.

    The Rose Bowl pizza kicks off with crunchy, cheesy Frico edges on a thin, tavern-style cornmeal crust. It’s topped with mild Giardiniera vegetables, handmade Calabrian sausage, and pepperoni roses. The cheeses include Real California Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, White Cheddar and Dry Jack. The pizza is finished with a sprinkle of pickled Juanita peppers and a basil pesto drizzle.

    In the produce-focused category, Michael Vakneen, partner at Truly Pizza in Dana Point, Calif., earned a $7,500 prize for his Umami Mushroom pizza.

    The Umami Mushroom pizza is a deeply flavored creation with Real California Smoked Mozzarella, Stracchino, and TomaRashi cheeses combined with marinated roasted mushrooms – all topped with a creamy onion and garlic sauce. Touches of toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, chopped green onion and bonito flakes complete the taste profile.

    Michael Vakneen was awarded the $7,500 (produce category) prize for his Umami Mushroom pizza.

    In a special team three-cheese pizza bake off, Vakneen and Jay Falk, chef at Caliente Pizza & Draft House in Pittsburgh, Pa., joined up to win the top prize. The pair shared the contest’s $7,500 prize.

    The five other professional chef competitors each received $750 for reaching the bake-off competition finals.

    “Chefs thrive on innovation and we saw that with our winning chefs and recipes this year. We were pleased to see the variety of Real California cheese and dairy products they tapped into for inspiration,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “All the recipes at the bake-off gave the finalists an opportunity to show the judges how products made with milk from California dairy families improve the quality and flavor profile of any pizza.”

    The 6th Real California Pizza Contest, held at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif., was open to professional chefs and culinary students across the United States. The 2024 contest again produced a record number of entries leading to a competitive finalist selection and exciting live event for participants.

    The competition was judged by a renowned panel of judges including 13-time World Pizza Champion and owner of 22 culinary concepts, Tony Gemignani; certified pizzaiolo and award-winning executive chef Glenn Cybulski; and professional chef and 2023 Real California Pizza Contest Grand Prize Winner Bill Crawford. Judges based scores on a range of factors including taste, texture and the inventive use of cheeses made with Real California Milk.

    “California’s position as the country’s number one producer of milk and Mozzarella is a testament to the hard work of the state’s dairy farm families and processors,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “Whether in pizza or any other menu item, chefs know they can depend on the quality, sustainability and flavor of more than 250 cheeses being made in California.”

    The 2024 Real California Pizza Contest finalists and winners:

    Protein

    • CATEGORY WINNER: Eddie Stalewski, Mecurio’s, Pittsburgh, Pa.
    • Jose Valverde, Zorba’s Pizza, Millbrae, Calif.
    • Leith Leiser-Miller, Psychic Pie, Sebastopol, Calif.
    • Jay Falk, Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Pittsburgh, Pa.

    Produce

    • CATEGORY WINNER: Michael Vakneen, Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.
    • Doug Dellaccio, Wayfarer Bread, La Jolla, Calif.
    • Constantino Anezinos, Zorba’s Pizza, Millbrae, Calif.
    • Ray Cullison, Charlie’s Pizzeria, Kingman, Ariz.

    Three Cheese Team

    • WINNERS: Jay Falk, Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Pittsburgh, Pa. and Michael Vakneen, Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.

    Details on the bake-off event, chef finalists and the CMAB are available on the Real California Pizza Contest website. An online recipe book with all 8 finalist pizzas and the team three-cheese pizza, as well as exclusive videos from the contest, will be released online in September.

    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.

    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 orRealCaliforniaMilk.com/Foodservice, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

  • Back To School Season Kicks Off With Retail Campaign Focused On Mornings With California Dairy

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced a consumer promotion focused on the breakfast occasion this season. Whether families with children headed back to school or those who are looking to simply reset and settle back into a routine after a busy summer, quick and easy recipes made with wholesome Real California Milk dairy products can make mornings mean more for everyone.

    Mornings Mean More communicates messages of re-establishing morning routines while offering delicious and nutritious breakfast solutions for busy mornings. The recipes highlighted in the campaign can all be made in 20 minutes or less, including Magical Cereal Milk Latte with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shell Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats, One Pan Skillet Breakfast Sandwich, Black and Blueberry Ricotta Grilled Toast and more.

    The promotion, which runs August 5 through September 8, will be geotargeted around 1,170 California retail locations including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill, Bristol Farms, Cardenas Markets, Safeway, Smart & Final and Stater Bros. Markets. 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 promotions, targeted email blasts, influencer activations, sponsored social media posts, and targeted display banner ads.

    “Breakfast is essential to starting the day right and dairy is an essential part of breakfast. Our Mornings Mean More campaign and featured breakfast recipes were curated to showcase a range of California dairy products while inspiring both families and individuals to create quick and nutritious meals to start their days,” 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 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 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. California dairy farm families are proud leaders in 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.

  • Real California Cheeses Bring Home 31 Awards at American Cheese Society Meeting

    Cow’s milk cheese and dairy processors that use the Real California Milk seal brought home 31 awards during the 2024 annual cheese competition held by the American Cheese Society (ACS) in Buffalo, New York.

    The American Cheese Society recognizes the finest cheeses and dairy products made in the Americas. A total of 1,596 cheese and cultured dairy products were entered into the competition. Cheeses made with California cow’s milk had a strong showing this year in a field of 142 organizations representing North America.

    California cheesemakers won a total of 53 awards – with Real California cow’s milk cheeses bringing home 31 prizes: 8 first place, 11 second place and 12 third place awards in this year’s judging. Highlights from these wins include:

    • Central Valley Cheese/Karoun, Turlock – 6 awards, 1st place each for Smoked String Cheese and Honey Yogurt; 2nd each for Labne, Whole Milk Yogurt and Yogurt Thirumala; and 3rd for Marinated String Cheese.
    • Marquez Brothers International, San Jose – 5 awards, 1st place each for Mango Drinkable Yogurt and Guava Drinkable Yogurt; 2ndplace for Strawberry Drinkable Yogurt; and 3rd place each for Strawberry Banana Drinkable Yogurt and Piña Colada Drinkable Yogurt.
    • Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Pt. Reyes – 4 awards, 1st place for Toma Truffle; 2nd place for Truffle Brie; and 3rd place each for Bay Blue and Fennel Blue.
    • Marin French Cheese, Petaluma – 3 awards, 2nd place each for Camembert and Petite Breakfast; 3rd place for Petite Truffle.
    • Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, Willows – 3 awards, 1st place for Gina Marie Cream Cheese; 3rd place each for Organic Unsalted Butter and Plain Yogurt.
    • Fiscalini Farmstead, Modesto – 2 awards, 2nd place each for Old World Cheddar and Truffle Cheddar.
    • Rumiano Cheese Company, Crescent City – 2 awards, 2nd place for Dry Jack; 3rd place for Organic Original Ghee.
    • Belfiore Cheese Company, Berkeley – 1 award, 3rd place for Farmer’s Cheese.
    • Bellwether Farmers, Petaluma – 1 award, 1st place for Crème Fraîche.
    • Cheese Bits, Riverbank – 1 award, 3rd place for Wood Smoked Mozzamini Pearls.
    • Cowgirl Creamery, Petaluma – 1 award, 2nd place for Wagon Wheel.
    • Joseph Farms, Atwater – 1 award, 1st place for Monterey Jack.
    • Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, Nicasio – 1 award, 3rd place for Halleck Creek.

    In total, 13 Real California cow’s milk cheese and dairy companies won awards for products made with Real California Milk from the state’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the world. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company and Bellwether Farms also received awards, four and one respectively, for non-cow’s milk cheeses that do not carry the Real California Milk seal.

    Non cow’s milk California cheesemakers had a strong showing with Laura Chenel picking up seven awards, Cypress Grove and Shooting Star Creamery each winning three, and Central Coast Creamery and Pennyroyal Farm winning two each.

    California is the second largest cheese producing state in the nation, responsible for more than 2.4 billion pounds of cheese. Real California cheeses and dairy products are available at retailers throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. For more information, visit:RealCaliforniaMilk.com. For more information on ACS competition winners and the ACS Conference, go to cheesesociety.org.

    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,Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Upcoming California Dairy Innovation Short Course Trainings and Conference

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for summer and fall courses as a part of its 2024 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Advanced Cheesemaking, which will take place July 16-17, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, SLO at the Dairy Products Technology Center in San Luis Obispo, Calif. This program will offer comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of milk and the cheesemaking processes, with two days of hands-on experience. This course also will include an enriching blend of theory and practical application, designed to enhance skills and knowledge in the art and science of advanced cheesemaking. Registration and more information is available here.

    2nd Annual Innovation Conference and State of the Industry, which will take place September 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition at Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif. This conference will include presentations on technical and market information. More information is available here.

    Hispanic & Mediterranean Cheeses, which will take place October 8-9, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo at the Dairy Products Technology Center. Registration and more information is available here.

    CDIC also shared dates for Q4 and 2025 events, including:

    Tharp and Young on Ice Cream, which will take place December 4-6, 2024, in collaboration with Chapman University at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Registration and more information is available here.

    The Science of RTD Milk and Coffee Beverages, which will take place January 22-23, 2025, in collaboration with Chapman University at the Ranney Processing Lab at Chapman University. Registration and more information is available here.

    The CDIC also released the 2025 dates for the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, which will take place February 18-20, 2025, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., USDA, Pacific Coast Coalition, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif. This conference will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing. Attendees will hear from today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry. Registration and additional information is available here.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and 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 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 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.

  • Summer Fancy Food Show Showcases Innovative California Dairy Foods

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a diverse selection of innovative and sustainably sourced specialty dairy products at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food show in New York, N.Y. June 23-25, 2024.

    CMAB will sample an assortment of dairy applications including cheese, Hispanic dairy, lassi, desserts, whey-based spirits, and dairy protein puff snacks. California dairy processors in attendance include: Angelo & Franco, Cheese Bits, dosa by Dosa, In Good Hands/CDI, Petite Pot, and Los Altos Foods. Attendees can visit CMAB booth #764 to learn more about products made with milk from California dairy families as well as the 6th Annual RCM Excelerator Open Innovation competition for new product innovation.

    “The specialty food category is important to our California dairy processors who are making some of the most innovative, on-trend cheeses, dairy foods and snacks available. The Summer Fancy Food show is a tremendous outlet to showcase this innovation and sample with food manufacturers, buyers, entrepreneurs and innovators,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “California’s award-winning dairy processors and cheesemakers are leading the industry with reliable and consistent products powered by sustainably sourced milk from California’s dairy farm families.”

    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 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 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, and Pinterest.