California Ag Network

Tag: Real California Milk

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Offers Opportunities For Cheese Education

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) announced the latest list of short courses which will be offered this year in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition and industry instructors. Dates for an inaugural Dairy Products, Processing, and Packaging Innovation Conference were also announced.

    The Frozen Desserts Innovation short course will be held on June 28th and 29th at the Dairy Innovation Institute, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a focus on capturing consumer trends: sugar-free, lactose-free and high protein. The short course features both lectures, demonstrations and actual ice cream manufacture in the Cal Poly pilot plant and creamery.  In addition, a sales and marketing educational segment will provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs, and established brands alike. Registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    The Advanced Unit Operations short course will take place September 27-29. Designed for those working in dairy plants, this course delivers both theoretical and practical understanding and knowledge of pasteurization, separation, condensation, filtration systems, drying, as well as principles of food safety. Program and registration will open June 1.

    The California Dairy Innovation Center, in collaboration with Cal Poly, The Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, Pacific Coast Alliance, and Fresno State will hold a first ever conference on Dairy Products Processing and Packaging Innovation in Shell Beach, Calif, October 12th-14th. Featuring both national and international speakers, the conference focuses on consumer-driven innovation and the latest technological advances. Program outline and registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and produces 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 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.

    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.

  • Two Student Ambassadors To Share California Dairy Messages With International Audience

    Lauren Dutra of Hanford and Siena Rollin of Riverdale have been selected to represent the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Mexico during the 2022 CMAB International Internship Program.

    The interns, selected from students coming from a California dairy background enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities, were chosen based on academic achievement, their connection to the California dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students 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 in-country CMAB marketing organization, Imalinx, to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry. “California currently accounts for around 33 percent of all U.S. dairy exports so international trade is essential for our continued growth. Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international dairy marketing for future leaders,” said Glenn Millar, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Dutra, 21, of Hanford, is currently working towards her B.S. in Dairy Science from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, where she serves as a representative of the Dairy Club, as well as a Committee Member of the Cal Poly Western Bonanza Management Team.

    Dutra was also an active member of 4-H and FFA, and showed dairy cattle in both organizations. She served as District 7 Dairy Princess from 2019 to 2020. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry, and hopes to incorporate this passion into a career.

    Rollin, 20, of Riverdale, is currently working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at Texas Tech University, where she founded and organizes the Dairy Club. She is a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow group at Texas Tech, where she also served as an Intern for the Spring 2021 Dairy Challenge. Rollin showed dairy cattle in both 4-H and FFA, and was an active member in both organizations. She earned a spot on the State winning 4-H Dairy Judging Team, which allowed her to compete nationally at the World Dairy Expo. She also served as District 8 Dairy Princess from 2019 to 2020. Upon completion of the internship program, Rollin hopes to advocate and help create policy on behalf of American farmers as Secretary of Agriculture.

    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 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, Instagramand Pinterest.

  • Real California Milk + Latina Singer-Songwriter CRYS Partner To Launch The First-Ever Cheese Record

    California Freestyle, the first-ever music record made of California cheese launches today, along with a free consumer download of the featured track that celebrates all things California and California dairy. California Freestyle, a collaboration from Real California Milk with Latinasinger-songwriter CRYS, captures the intersection of California music and delicious, sustainable dairy in itsrarest form – a playable record made from a wheel of real cheese from the Golden State. California Freestyle is a core element of Real California Milk’s new advertising creative and is currently available to download and stream on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Pandora, and YouTube Music.

    “To Live in the Golden State is an active, cultural experience, both physical and emotional, where weembrace everything that makes this state so special and we nourish ourselves with delicious, comforting food made with Real California Milk,” said John Talbot, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “California Freestyle is more than a song, it’s a visual celebration of diverse people, individuality, iconic destinations, and food. It’s the rich and vibrant lifestyle and mindset of living in the Golden State.”

    In addition to the cheese wheel record, an accompanying music video showcasing CRYS in a variety of locations in the Golden State debuted during the April 3rd Grammys broadcast in California.

    “Partnering with CMAB has been a dream come true. There is nothing more fulfilling than creating art thatrepresents you and the things you love, like California dairy! And who doesn’t love cheese and ice cream!? From showcasing the rich and diverse cultural landscape of California to singing all about the things that make the West Coast the best coast, it’s been so much fun to bring this campaign to life,” said CRYS. “I’m so excited for people to experience what we created, and I look forward to more collaboration with CMAB.

    The cheese record version of California Freestyle started as a 14-inch, 12-pound wheel of Californiacheese (Fiscalini Farmstead San Joaquin Gold in this case, which itself was named for the Central Valley area that houses many of the state’s family dairy farms). The existing cheese casing was removed as well as a 1” high 7” space to insert a special vinyl gold record that was carefully pressed and embedded into the cheese wheel surface. All edges were sealed with cheese wax and the limited edition California Freestyle cheese record was made playable on a regular turntable. Consumers will be able to view the cheese record in real life this summer at various California destinations throughout the state or online at realcaliforniamilk.com.

    About CRYS

    CRYS is a Cuban-American independent artist based in Los Angeles. A creative visionary whose workvaries from her own Latin-infused pop music to voice acting for a family-friendly animated Christmas series, CRYS has serious range. Not only is she an incredible singer, she’s also a ghostwriter for other artists, on a journey to inspire more young creatives to use their voices to shift culture in a positive way. Follow CRYS on Instagram.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer and produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milkthan any other state. California is also the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. Sustainable California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, identifying products that source their milk from the Golden State’s dairy farm families.

    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 thestate, 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, visitRealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Real CA Milk Spotlights Foodservice Innovation With 2022 Events For Professional Chefs

    The Foodservice Division of the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced the kickoff date for the 4th Annual Real California Pizza Contest, the return of the CADairy2Go competition and the rollout of a new culinary event focusing on Cal-Mex to round out its foodservice events for 2022.

    The 4th annual Real California Pizza Contest, a search for the best pizza recipes using cow’s milk cheeses from California, gets underway on March 1st. Professional chefs and pizzaiolos from throughout the U.S, can enter their innovative recipes from March 1 through April 24, 2022, for a chance to make it to the bake-off final on June 22, 2022, in Napa, Calif. and compete for up to $25,000 in prize money.

    The CADairy2Go Invitational is inspired by chefs and foodservice operators who made quick, creative pivots to adjust their menus for the takeout and delivery model during the disruption caused by the pandemic. Now in its 2nd year, the event will feature culinary professionals representing a variety of foodservice backgrounds, such as major restaurant chains, independent restaurants, ghost kitchens and food trucks who will gather in October to compete for a chance at up to $5,000 for their innovative To-Go recipes.

    The inaugural Cal-Mex Invitational, scheduled for August, captures creations from chefs who specialize in the culinary and flavor fusion of California and Mexican cuisines.

    “Cheese is at the heart of culinary innovation – from creative pizzas to flavorful to-go and fusion dishes. As the leading producer of Hispanic-style cheese and dairy products, we’re excited to add the Cal-Mex Invitational to our foodservice outreach program and to see what the chef’s develop,”

    said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “These competitions offer a tremendous opportunity to partner with culinary professionals to spotlight their creativity using our sustainably sourced Real California dairy products.”

    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 are helping to drive dining innovation.

    California leads the nation in milk production and is responsible for producing more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state 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/the California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.

    The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with 100 percent milk from California’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.

    For more information on sourcing cheese from California, contact the foodservice team at 209.883.6455 (MILK),businessdevelopment@cmab.net or RealCaliforniaMilk.com/Foodservice, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

  • Real California Milk Kicks Off 2022 With Smoothie Retail Campaign

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the launch of a consumer promotion focused on starting off the New Year with health and wellness in mind. The “Renew, Reset, Restore” campaign communicates the message that high quality, sustainably sourced California dairy products are a delicious and effective way to help achieve lifestyle goals in the new year. The featured promotional menu includes innovative smoothie and smoothie bowl recipes made with Real California milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

    The month-long promotion, which runs through January 30, will be supported with a rebate offer on California dairy products through the Checkout 51 platform. Integrated digital media will include geotargeted email blasts, banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, sponsored social media posts, targeted display banner ads, Instacart SEO, retailer shopper marketing, and food influencer partnerships.

    “Dairy foods are high in powerful proteins, making them a great option to help with reaching health and wellness goals. These proteins fuel the body by providing a unique combination of nutrients only found in real dairy,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “These recipes are designed to be delicious, packed with nutrients and as easy to make, whether they are enjoyed at home or on the go.”

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer and produces 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 through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visitRealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Nightfood Wins REAL CA MILK Excelerator Competition With Sleep Friendly Ice Cream Novelties

    Nightfood claimed a sweet victory as grand prize winner of the Real California Milk Excelerator dairy innovation competition during a live pitch event. The competition, created in 2019 by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and VentureFuel to fuel innovation in new dairy product development, is a global search for the very best emerging products to bring to market using California milk and dairy ingredients. As grand prize winner, Nightfood will receive $150,000 in resources and funding to bring their sleep friendly ice cream novelties to hotel locations across the U.S.

    As presented by Founder and CEO, Sean Folkson, a self-identified night snacker and former insomniac, Nightfood’s mission is to help nighttime snackers around the world satisfy their hard-wired cravings in a better, healthier, and more sleep-friendly way. The company recently completed a successful pilot program with a leading global hotel chain to introduce Nightfood ice cream pints into hotel lobby shops across the country. Excelerator prizing will be used to help grow distribution for a novelty version of the ice cream in the hospitality channel.

    I’m honored for Nightfood to be selected by the CMAB, VentureFuel and the panel of industry-expert judges as the first-place winner in this year’s Excelerator competition. Sleep is becoming a massive health trend, and many consumers wrestle with hard-wired nighttime survival cravings for calorie-dense foods like cookies, chips, candy, and, of course, ice cream,” said Folkson. “Those high-sugar, high-fat snacks tend to be both unhealthy, and sleep disruptive. Nightfood helps consumers satisfy those prehistoric biological cravings in a better, healthier, more sleep-friendly way. With the help of the CMAB, we look forward to making Nightfood sleep-friendly ice cream sandwiches available in lobby shops in 20,000 hotels across the country.”

    Nightfood is one of four innovators selected from a field of 12 semi-finalist competitors to present to an all-star judging panel from the CPG, retail, venture capital, food science and media world representing such companies as Albertsons Companies, Coca-Cola, Beam Suntory, My/Mochi Ice Cream, Whole Foods and more in a live virtual pitch (and sample) event. All four finalists represented products in the frozen dessert space – a market valued at more than $52 billion in 2020 and growing, driven by the rising demand for better-for-you dessert options. Alongside the three other finalists, Nightfood was judged on uniqueness or innovation, taste, the ability to scale and the founding team. Sweetkiwi came in second place and will receive $100,000 in support for growth and distribution for their low calorie whipped frozen Greek yogurt that is formulated with fiber, protein, and probiotics for better gut health.

    “I am incredibly overwhelmed and excited that we were one of the chosen winners,” said Ehime Eigbe, Founder and CEO of Sweetkiwi. “It is such an exciting time for us, we’re really pleased the judges saw the value in our innovation. We look forward to carrying the Real California Milk seal and being part of the California dairy family.”

    This is the third event of its kind by the California dairy industry. While prior years focused on fluid milk and snacks, the 2021 competition spotlighted products using the nutritional and flavor profiles of real milk and dairy ingredients to deliver performance and recovery benefits in products ranging from sports drinks to indulgent desserts.

    Twelve semi-finalists were selected from a field of 62 entries to move through the Excelerator process, receiving $10,000 worth of support each to develop an edible prototype, while receiving a suite of resources including graphic design, lab or kitchen time and elite mentorship from global marketing, packaging, investment and distribution experts from companies including Branchfood, Brandology, Bristol Farms, the California Dairy Innovation Center, Diageo, Garrand Moehlenkamp, Heywell, Highlight, Ignite2x, Ketchum, LA Distributing Company, Lemos Jerseys, Mondelēz International, Rodeo, Vori, and Whole Brain Consulting. The total value of Excelerator prizing is over $650,000.

     

    Finalists were chosen from the semi-finalists competitors during a two-day virtual pitch event judged by a group of experts from Hershey’s, Nestle, Mars, PepsiCo Ventures Group, Amberstone Ventures, Branch Venture Group, FoodNavigator.com, Rosa Brothers Milk Company, Health Magazine, SnackRiot, and The Save Mart Companies. Over 2,000 consumers also were able to vote virtually through Perksy, which provides market research for the mobile generation, on the products they would most be interested in purchasing. An additional 500 consumers were polled through Perksy for the finals and those votes were included in the final tally.

    “Excelerator winners were judged as much for the founders and founding teams as for the products themselves and we had an incredible group of competitors this year. Nightfood stood out because it really nailed the performance and recovery objective of this year’s competition and they have a solid plan for owning the sleep space,” said John Talbot, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “We look forward to partnering with Sean and Ehime to bring both Nightfood and Sweetkiwi’s functional dairy desserts, fueled by Real California dairy ingredients, to the larger marketplace.”

     

    “Every product that made it into this competition was a winner, having gone through extensive vetting and due diligence to determine their potential.” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “Our mentors helped each accelerate and, in the end, over 2,000 consumers and the 24 expert judges chose these amazing two winners. CMAB and VentureFuel continue to assist all of the companies that made it into the program – so expect to see many of these participants on a shelf near you very soon.”

    To that end, earlier this week, CMAB and VentureFuel hosted a private retail buyer/investor event to introduce the finalists to the market which resulted in over 20 one-on-one meetings with key industry decision makers. The program also supported nascent companies that may be future breakthroughs via a multi-week Incubator Boot Camp for idea-stage companies not quite ready for the main Excelerator.

    California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products. As the number one producer of fluid milk in the nation, California also leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,100 family dairy farms produce the California milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    About the RCM Snackcelerator

    The 2021 Real California Milk Excelerator taps into the thriving functional foods market – a market that has grown significantly over the past year and is projected to reach over $275 billion globally by 2025 and focused on early-stage, high-growth companies with a cow’s milk-based product that plays a critical role in personal performance and/or recovery.

    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, visitRealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation consultancy that builds innovation programs for industry leaders by unlocking the power of external innovation through startup collaboration. Its programs focus on changing behaviors and beliefs in order to unlock new sources of growth. We provide senior leaders with the tools to drive transformative change within their organizations by opening up their teams to new ways of working, products, services and routes to market. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, Linked-In, Twitter and Instagram. You can hear The VentureFuel Podcast on Apple, Spotify or Simplecast.

  • Real CA Milk Begins Holiday Season With Mornings Mean More Campaign

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today the launch of a consumer promotion focused on holiday breakfast traditions with dairy. The campaign is an extension of the Mornings Mean More campaign that first debuted in2020 . The Holiday Mornings Mean More campaign communicates messages of family, togetherness and the importance of  celebrating time together over special breakfast recipes. The featured promotional menu includes recipes designed to be enjoyed together such as Buttermilk Pancake Breakfast Tacos, Cheesy Hashbrown Egg Bites, Lemon Blueberry Pancake Casserole, and Ricotta Churro Waffles.

    The promotion, which runs through December 27, will be supported with in-store media at 706 California stores including Albertson’s, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Raley’s, and Mollie Stone’s Markets. Integrated digital media will include geotargeted email blasts, banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, sponsored social media posts, targeted display banner ads, Instacart SEO, retailer shopper marketing, and food influencer partnerships across Instagram and TikTok.

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

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and also produces 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 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, Instagramand Pinterest.

  • 12 Innovative Dairy Brands Head Into Virtual Pitch Semi Finals In 3rd Real CA Milk Excelerator Competition

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the schedule for the Real California Milk Excelerator virtual semi-finals, which will be held October 26th and 27th from 5-7 p.m. PST. The 3rd edition of the CMAB’s dairy product innovation competition partnership with innovation consultancy VentureFuel will bring 12 entrepreneurs together to pitch their functional dairy products for a chance at a slot in the final competition.

    Semi-finalists will compete in four virtual events on October 26 and 27 leading to the November 18th virtual finals where the first place Excelerator winner will receive up to $150,000 worth of additional marketing support from CMAB to accelerate their product growth in the marketplace. Second place will receive $100,000 of marketing supports from CMAB. The total value of the competition prizing is $650,000.

    The 2021 Real California Milk Excelerator taps into the thriving functional foods market – a market that has grown significantly over the past year and is projected to reach over $275 billion globally by 2025 and focused on early-stage, high-growth companies with a cow’s milk-based product that plays a critical role in personal performance and/or recovery.

    John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB

    “This is where it all comes together. Our finalists have honed their pitches and will be putting it all on the line to showcase how their products best integrate the natural ingredients, flavor and nutritional profile of milk and other dairy products to deliver a functional benefit to consumers,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “We are excited to see any of these 12 innovative products make it to the final four.”

    VentureFuel, Inc., the leading corporate innovation consultancy, has partnered with CMAB to run the program and identified and recruited applicants from their global network of investors, founders, and academics. Semi-finalists received a $10,000 stipend and support to refine and scale their individual business as well as benefit group resources including the development of sales and marketing tools and have participated in a virtual master’s class of mentor and support sessions to refine products, create marketing tools, and hone their presentations for the semi-finals.

    The 2021 RCM Excelerator mentor team includes:

    • Lauren Abda, Co-Founder/Partner, Branch Venture Group
    • Roger Arechiga, Director of Dairy, Deli and Frozen Foods, Bristol Farms
    • Ila Byrne, Former Head of Ideation and Innovation, Diageo
    • Patti Cerami, Account Director, Ignite2x
    • Zachary DeAngelo, Founder/CEO, Rodeo
    • Jim Dimataris, VP, Processor Partnerships, California Milk Advisory Board
    • Britt Dougherty, Co-Founder, Heywell
    • Jessie Gilligan, Partner/Chief Client Officer, Garrand Moehlenkamp
    • Brandon Hernandez, Partner, Whole Brain Consulting
    • Brandon Hill, Founder/CEO, Vori
    • Dana Kim, Founder/CEO, Highlight
    • Veronique LaGrange, Director, California Dairy Innovation Center
    • Nevin Lemos, Founder, Lemos Jerseys
    • Ken Matsubara, Partner/Chief Creative Officer, Garrand Moehlenkamp
    • Richard Medina, Founder/CEO, LA Distributing Company
    • Maura Mitchell, Founder, Brandology
    • Jennifer Reinhard, VP, Media Group Manager, Ketchum
    • Brigette Wolf, Head of SnackFutures, Mondelēz International

    Judges for the October 26 and 27 RCM Excelerator semi-finals include:

    • Lauren Abda, Co-Founder/Partner, Branch Venture Group
    • Alexander Bernstein, Managing Partner, Amberstone
    • Bob Carroll, VP, Business Development, California Milk Advisory Board
    • Elizabeth Crawford, Deputy Editor, FoodNavigator.com
    • Stephen Crozier, R&D Partnerships, Hershey’s
    • Jen Giambroni, VP, Communications, California Milk Advisory Board
    • Molly Hayes, Global Senior Director of Growth & Innovation, Mars
    • Sarah Holley, Manager, Product Innovation, Nestle
    • Jarett Margolis, Senior Manager, Business Development, California Milk Advisory Board
    • Noel Rosa, Owner, Rosa Brothers Milk Company
    • Marnie Schwartz, Nutrition Editor, Health
    • Jason Stamm, Principal, PepsiCo Ventures Group
    • Erica Wagner, Founder, SnackRiot
    • Dr. Jen Welter, Former NFL Coach, Sports Psychologist, Motivational Speaker
    • Josh Zodikoff, Senior Category Manager, Deli, The Save Mart Companies

    The four finalists from those events will participate in a private pitch event with buyers and investors and a live, virtual final pitch on November 18th before a team of judges representing media, retailers, CPG food and beverage brands, investors, and eCommerce platforms. The finals event will be broadcast live for public viewing and a link will be made available on the RCM Excelerator site.

    Finals judges include:

    • Russell Barnett, Managing Director/CMO, My/Mochi Ice Cream
    • Donna Berry, Editor, Daily Dose of Dairy
    • Heather Boyd, Managing Director, RTD, Beam Suntory
    • Chad Coester, SVP Own Brands, Albertsons Companies
    • Chris McCann, CEO, 1-800-Flowers.com
    • Julia Bello, Principal, Local Producer Loan Program, Whole Foods
    • John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board
    • Adriano Torres, Senior Director Global Marketing, Dairy & Plant-Based Beverages

      Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel

    “How do you determine if a startup has breakthrough growth potential? You look to see if retailers will shelve it, if consumers will buy it, if reporters will write on it and investors will invest in it. Each of our judges have unique vantage points on what’s next, that when combined, gives us a holistic view on what will succeed tomorrow,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel.

    The 12 semi-finalist applicants competing October 26th and 27th are:

    • Alexandre Family Farms – Fourth generation California dairy farmers with functional brand extensions for liquid milk, powder and yogurt focused on properties for anti-anxiety and gut health.
    • Boba Guys – Trendy tea brand Boba Guys, with 15 brick and mortar locations in California, is developing a bottled milk tea latte with key nutrients, vitamins, and caffeine to optimize performance and recovery.
    • Churn – The pioneer of chef-crafted, health-conscious, flavor-driven grass-fed butter, Churn is bringing innovation and education to the dairy industry with flavored butters meant to empower elevated cooking at home and inspire the happiness that comes along with it.
    • Kefir Lab – Kefir Lab takes kefir and makes it more effective with organic milk cultured with 24 live and active potent protein strains for a bottled kefir that boosts immunity, metabolism, and brain health.
    • Nightfood – Uniquely formulated by sleep experts and nutritionists, Nightfood ice cream delivers great taste for those nighttime cravings and a sleep-friend nutritional profile to help promote quality sleep.
    • Positive Chemistry – A dissolving pouch that melts in the bath, releasing a bubbly, fizzing mixture of real milk and recovery salts to promote recovery for skin, muscles, and the soul. A hidden exfoliating sponge with a message of positivity is designed to float to the top of the bath.
    • Rizo Lopez Foods – Award-winning and family-owned, Rizo Lopez utilizes Old World recipes and traditional techniques for their Ready2Go Whey products derived from a specially processed whey protein concentrate for a creamy, delicious, and gut-healthy drink.
    • ReThink Ice Cream – Low sugar, stomach and diabetic-friendly ice cream that is infused with fiber and sourced from lactose-free A2 dairy, ReThink Ice Cream is a decadent source of natural nutrition.
    • Sweetkiwi – Founded by a McKinsey 2021 Black Executive Leader and certified cultured dairy professional, Sweetkiwi makes whipped Greek yogurt that is low in calories and high in nutrition. Sweetkiwi pints are under 320 calories and formulated with fiber, protein, and probiotics for better gut health with fewer calories.
    • The Indian Milk & Honey Co. – Sugar-free probiotic Lassi with Ayurvedic immunity supporting herbs and spices, that also support mental clarity, in one environmentally-friendly carton.
    • Top O’ the Morn Farms – A California-owned dairy farm with an expansive line of fresh products, Top O’ the Morn’s Cow-Pow chocolate milk is a clean-label pre- or post-workout beverage fortified with whey protein isolate and natural caffeine.
    • Wonder Monday – A 2020 RCM Snackcelerator finalist, Wonder Monday returns with a new protein keto cheesecake snack bar with 10g of clean protein to indulgently refuel.

    In addition to the semi-finalists, two companies were selected to participate in a Real California Milk Incubator Boot Camp program, which was built to assist ideas and promising prototypes that are too early for the Excelerator. These companies received mentoring and support from VentureFuel, CMAB and the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC).

    California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products. As the number one producer of milk in the nation, California also leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,100 family dairy farms produce the California milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world 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, Instagramand Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.
    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation consultancy that builds innovation programs for industry leaders by unlocking the power of external innovation through startup collaboration. Its programs focus on changing behaviors and beliefs in order to unlock new sources of growth. We provide senior leaders with the tools to drive transformative change within their organizations by opening up their teams to new ways of working, products, services and routes to market. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, Linked-In, Twitter and Instagram. You can hear The VentureFuel Podcast on Apple, Spotify or Simplecast.

  • Initiative Encourages Families to Create Fantastic Fall Flavors with California Butter

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today the launch of an October consumer promotion focused on Real California Butter as the foundation of the fall baking season. Featuring recipes such as Apple Brown Butter Crumble with Caramel Sauce and Poached Pears in Puff Pastry with Honey Whipped Cream, the month-long promotion will focus on creating delectable treats with classic fall flavors including pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, caramel, maple, and more all while highlighting California butter as a star baking ingredient.

    The promotion will be supported with in-store media that will be displayed at 475 California stores including Raley’s, Mollie Stone’s Markets, Lucky Supermarkets, FoodMaxx, and Save Mart. Integrated digital media will include geotargeted email communication, recipe and related site banner ads, sponsored social media posts, and food influencer partnerships.

    “Butter is a crucial ingredient in pies, crumbles, breads, and so many of the baked goods we enjoy during the cooler months,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “We are encouraging families to use high quality, sustainably produced Real California Butter in their favorite baking recipes.”

    Thanks to milk from California’s dairy farm families, California leads the nation in butter production. As the nation’s leading milk producer, the state also is responsible for producing more 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 exclusively 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 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.

  • Performance & Recovery Innovation for CA Dairy

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced the return of its annual dairy innovation competition with a new name and increased focus on advancing excellence in functional dairy product development. The Real California Milk Excelerator, the 3rd edition of the CMAB dairy product innovation competition with innovation consultancy VentureFuel, will award up to $650,000 in prizes for new dairy products that support performance and recovery benefits.

    The 2021 Real California Milk Excelerator taps into the thriving functional foods market – a market that has grown significantly over the past year and is projected to reach over $275 billion globally by 2025. With consumers prioritizing personal health and wellness in response to the pandemic, the competition will seek out early-stage startups that utilize two of California’s great resources – an abundant supply of sustainably sourced California milk and the state’s entrepreneurial spirit.

    One of the biggest dairy competitions in the world, the competition seeks early-stage, potential for high-growth applicants with a cow’s milk-based product or working prototype that plays a critical role in personal performance (focus, energy, exercise, strength) and/or recovery (rejuvenation, relaxation, gut health, sleep).

    Up to twelve applicants will be selected to join the RCM Excelerator program with each receiving a $10,000 stipend and support to refine and scale their individual business as well as benefit from group resources including the development of sales and marketing tools. They will also be entered into the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentor Program which includes elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming and processing industries. The first place Excelerator winner will receive up to $150,000 worth of additional marketing support from CMAB to accelerate their product growth in the marketplace. Second place will receive $100,000 of marketing supports from CMAB. To further advance opportunities for finalists, a private, Buyer/Investor Day event will be hosted for finalists to pitch actual clients to drive business development and secure financing.The value of the competition awards is $650,000.

    For the first time, CMAB and VentureFuel also will be awarding up to three companies entry into the new Real California Milk Incubator Boot Camp, an option for companies that have great ideas but are too early for the competition. Led by executives at CMAB, VentureFuel and the California Dairy Innovation Center, Boot Camp participants also will gain entry into the VentureFuel Mentor program as well as review of products, tweaking of pitch, introductions to food labs, nutritionists, etc. (a value of $50,000).

    John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB

    “Consumers are redefining what health and wellness means and looking for foods that provide not only flavor but functionality to help them achieve optimal health. Whether to maximize daily performance or replenishment after physical activity, dairy is the ultimate functional food supplying quality protein plus several vital nutrients that translate to the products consumers are looking for today,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “With the Excelerator and Incubator platforms, we will be able to support companies as they innovate with dairy to bring more of these products featuring milk from California dairy farmers to market.”

     

    Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel, Inc.

    VentureFuel, Inc., the leading corporate innovation consultancy, is again partnering with CMAB to run the program and to identify the best emerging opportunities from their global network of investors, founders and academics. “Excelsior is a Latin motto meaning ‘Ever upward!’ and after the tremendous success of our first two programs with CMAB, where we have provided mentorship and accelerated 24 dairy focused startups, we wanted to cement a name that showed our commitment to moving the industry ever upward, ever quickly. This is how we landed at the Excelerator,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel, Inc. “By adding the Incubator Bootcamp and Buyer/Investor Day, CMAB continues their commitment to creating a product innovation ecosystem to further increase the demand for California Dairy while supporting and accelerating the influx of new startups and entrepreneurs creating better-for- you products.”

    Competition rules and application documents are available at RealCaMilkExclerator.com and the deadline for application is June 25, 2021.

    The Excelerator competitions, which in the past have focused on fluid milk and snacking product startups, are part of the CMAB’s innovation ecosystem, which includes the development in 2020 of the California Dairy Innovation Center, a collaborative platform created to further product-oriented innovation and enhance productivity for the California dairy industry through research, training and education.

    California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products. As the number one producer of milk in the nation, California also leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1200 family dairy farms produce the California milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world 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, Inc.

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation consultancy that builds innovation programs for industry leaders by unlocking the power of external innovation through startup collaboration. Its programs focus on changing behaviors and beliefs in order to unlock new sources of growth. We provide senior leaders with the tools to drive transformative change within their organizations by opening up their teams to new ways of working, products, services and routes to market. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, Linked-In, Twitterand Instagram. You can hear The VentureFuel Podcast on Apple, Spotify or Simplecast.