Tag: The International Dairy Foods Association

The U.S. dairy industry grew significantly over the past two years, adding nearly 60,000 new jobs, increasing average wages by 11%, and increasing its total impact on the U.S. economy by $41 billion, according to the latest economic impact report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

IDFA’s 2023 Economic Impact Study, which measures the combined impact of the dairy industry—including the milk, cheese, ice cream, cultured dairy products, and ingredients sectors—showed the U.S. dairy industry’s economic impact totaled $793.75 billion. The report is conducted every two years to quantify the industry’s impact on local, state and national economies.

The newly released figures indicate that the U.S. dairy industry now supports:

• 3.2 million total jobs, including 1.078 million jobs in dairy product manufacturing, up from 1.018 million jobs in 2021
• $49 billion in direct wages for workers in the dairy industry, up from $42 billion in direct wages in 2021
• $72.0 billion in federal, state and local taxes (not including sales taxes paid by consumers), up from $67.1 million in 2021
• 3% of U.S. GDP

“The U.S. dairy industry is growing to keep pace with intense global demand, and that means more jobs, higher wages, more tax benefits, and more economic growth for communities across the United States,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “Consumers here in the U.S. and around the world recognize U.S. dairy products for their nourishing and delicious qualities, and they are purchasing U.S. dairy products in record quantities. In turn, American dairy companies are delivering economic benefits to the communities they operate in.”

The report also demonstrates how dairy product categories contribute directly to the U.S. economy, including:

• Cheese: Adds $64.5 billion in direct economic impact and supports 59,538 dairy industry jobs
• Milk: Adds $50.9 billion in direct economic impact and supports 67,995 dairy industry jobs
• Dairy Ingredients: Adds $20.4 billion in direct economic impact and supports 16,552 dairy industry jobs
• Ice Cream: Adds $11.4 billion in direct economic impact and supports 27,066 dairy industry jobs
• Yogurt & Cultured Products: Adds $8.3 billion in direct economic impact and supports 10,867 dairy industry jobs

The growth in jobs and economic impact comes as demand for U.S. dairy continues to grow. In September 2022, the USDA reported that U.S. per capita dairy consumption jumped 12.4 pounds per person in 2021, continuing a 50-year growth trend that started in 1975 when USDA began tracking annual consumption.

The study’s findings are available in an interactive economic impact tool on IDFA’s Dairy Delivers® webpage where users can click on an interactive map of the U.S. to learn how dairy impacts their community. Just select an area of the country that interests you—options include the full U.S., any of the 50 states, or any of the 435 Congressional districts. Once you click on the state and/or district that interests you, select View/Print to generate your own detailed fact sheet or economic impact report.

To learn more, visit www.idfa.org/dairydelivers.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the return of the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party to the National Mall on June 22, 2022. The Ice Cream Party has been an essential summertime event for members of Congress, their families, Capitol Hill staff and many other special guests since it began in 1983. However, IDFA did not hold the event in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic.

The celebration on the National Mall just outside the U.S. Capitol Building is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treat. Because IDFA and the U.S. dairy industry are committed to a more sustainable future, this year’s event will offer bowls, cups, spoons and napkins made from post-consumer recycled materials, and recycling bins will be made available by IDFA for recycling waste from the event.

“The return of the IDFA Ice Cream Party is the biggest scoop on Capitol Hill in years,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M. “We always say ice cream is as bipartisan as you can get. The IDFA Ice Cream Party is our way of showing appreciation on behalf of America’s dairy producers and dairy foods makers to public servants, members of Congress and all the individuals working in Congress and in our federal agencies. Come out to the National Mall on June 22nd to enjoy some free ice cream.”

The 38th Annual IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will take place at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The park is located west of the Capitol in the area encompassing the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Grant Memorial.

IDFA Ice Cream Stats:

• In 2021, ice cream makers in the U.S. churned out more than 1.3 billion gallons of ice cream.
• The average American eats roughly 20 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons.
• Fortune Business Insights estimates the global ice cream market will reach $97.85 billion in 2027, up from $71.52 billion in 2021—a 37% jump in less than a decade due to the world’s craving for ice cream.
• U.S. ice cream makers contribute $13.1 billion to the U.S. economy and support 28,800 dairy industry jobs, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers economic impact report.
• The majority of U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers have been in business for more than 50 years, and many are still family-owned businesses.
• In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
• Thomas Jefferson is credited as the first American to write down an ice cream recipe.

IDFA partnered with Research America in 2019 to study U.S. ice cream data and trends.

• Nearly two-thirds of Americans rank vanilla as their favorite ice cream flavor. America’s top 10 favorite ice cream flavors:

• 1. Vanilla
  2. Chocolate
  3. Cookies N’ Cream
  4. Mint Chocolate Chip
  5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  6. Buttered Pecan
  7. Cookie Dough
  8. Strawberry
  9. Moose Tracks
  10. Neapolitan

• America’s favorite novelty products are:
  • Sandwiches
  • Mini cups
  • Sticks or pops
  • Cones
  • Bars
• Most ice cream is made March through July. July is the busiest production month for ice cream makers.

More information about ice cream is available on IDFA’s website: www.idfa.org/news-views/media-kits/ice-cream.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the Port of Los Angeles, and CMA CGM — a world leader in shipping and logistics — say the groups are working together to prioritize exports of U.S. dairy products and report significant progress moving cargo to Southeast Asia, South America, and other export destinations. In January, the groups formed the Dairy Exports Working Group to identify and address supply chain issues hampering U.S. dairy product exports. Ongoing discussions, planning, and problem-solving among the organizations have yielded breakthroughs that could lead to long-term solutions for U.S. dairy exports, including moving cargo from the interior of the United States to the West Coast.

Leaders of the Dairy Exports Working Group include Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of IDFA; Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles; and Ed Aldridge, President of CMA CGM and APL North America.

The Dairy Exports Working Group reports the following progress to date:

• CMA CGM’s acquisition of Fenix Marine Services (FMS) in the Port of Los Angeles has already led to increased control of cargo, earliest return dates, booking dates, and other benefits.
• Additional space and equipment allocated to an IDFA member for 120 containers per week with the capability to increase to 300 containers per week via CMA CGM vessels through the Port of Los Angeles—an increase of 150%.
• Prioritizing U.S. dairy exports for shipment to destinations in East and Southeast Asia, especially China, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea.
• Working to coordinate dedicated rail service to the West Coast carrying up to 220 containers of U.S. dairy products for export and expanded opportunities for U.S. dairy exporters to utilize rail service through CMA CGM’s rail partnerships.
• CMA CGM has diverted some ships from Los Angeles to other West Coast ports to collect U.S. dairy products for export.
• Improved communication and transparency between CMA CGM and dairy exporters without disrupting existing relationships with other ocean carriers (i.e., freight forwarders).

“I want to thank CMA CGM and the Port of Los Angeles for their transparency and commitment to produce real results and achieve progress for U.S. dairy exporters,” said Dykes of IDFA. “Last week, we learned that U.S. dairy exports reached a record $7.66 billion in 2021 despite serious supply chain issues, demonstrating surging demand for U.S. dairy from customers around the world. If the United States is to become the world’s leading supplier of nutritious, affordable, sustainable dairy products, we need partners like CMA CGM and Port of Los Angeles willing to roll up their sleeves and move our cargo. IDFA members are pleased with the early results of the Dairy Exports Working Group and we commit to working even harder with new partners throughout the supply chain to find market-based solutions for U.S. dairy exports. Let’s replicate this blueprint with other shippers and ports to enhance American competitiveness.”

“I’m extremely pleased with the results and the collaboration we’ve achieved in just one month,” said Seroka of the Port of Los Angeles. “Thanks to CMA CGM and the IDFA, we’ve moved the needle on several important fronts. While there’s much more work to do, I’m proud of this effort to get American exporters back into the international game.”

Aldridge of CMA CGM and APL North America, said, “At CMA CGM, we believe teamwork, communication and collaboration yield results. The Dairy Exports Working Group is a perfect example of the great things that can be accomplished quickly when different parts of the supply chain get together and brainstorm on possibilities. In the end, you end up with solutions that work for everyone.”

“We are grateful for CMA’s enthusiasm to extend the successful dairy exports pilot implemented in the Port of Los Angeles to ports in Portland and Seattle-Tacoma to bring much needed relief to Northwest dairy and its rural economy,” said Stan Ryan, President and CEO of Darigold, Inc.

Greater predictability and reliability in the U.S. dairy supply chain, which has been severely strained for months, is essential to the current and future success of the U.S. dairy industry. The current situation is costing U.S. dairy companies hundreds-of-millions of dollars and damaging the credibility and reputation of U.S. dairy exporters among global customers. For example, dairy exporters are having to airfreight product more than ever before, sometimes at 20 times the cost, to meet overseas contracts. At the same time, U.S. warehouses are full or facing near capacity levels due to delays.

IDFA is working to expand the Dairy Exports Working Group to additional dairy companies, ports, carriers, and supply chain stakeholders, to develop market-driven, win-win solutions that will create new business, help alleviate the empty container problem, and expedite the flow of American dairy exports to our customers.

IDFA has also been advocating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the White House, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other agencies to raise awareness and ensure the viability of America’s dairy industry. As part of the Supply Chain Optimization and Resilience Coalition, IDFA is also supportive of leveraging digital tools to enhance supply chain transparency for dairy and the success of the Dairy Exports Working Group, including deployment of a national freight data portal. IDFA is committed to seeking other innovative and collaborative solutions to supply chain difficulties hampering U.S. dairy exports, as determined by the IDFA Supply Chain Task Force led by IDFA Vice President of Trade Policy and International Affairs Becky Rasdall and Director of Legislative Affairs Donald Grady.

For more information on the Dairy Exports Working Group, please contact info@idfa.org.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is pleased to announce that registration for Dairy Forum 2022 opens today.

Dairy Forum is back live and in person in 2022 in sunny Palm Desert, Calif. The event will challenge participants with the latest thinking on leadership, policy, technology, people and workforce, economics, and innovation. Dairy Forum is where industry leaders discover NEW ideas first and hear thought leaders share the latest thinking on innovative ways to view business in today’s dynamic marketplace. The event offers fresh perspective from C-suite leaders, thinkers, and influencers on issues that are important to the dairy industry NOW. Dairy Forum inspires industry leaders to focus on NEXT practices that deliver value and innovation in new ways.

After a challenging year, Dairy Forum is where the dairy industry will come together to reconnect, retool and recharge for the important work ahead.

“We are beyond excited to announce Dairy Forum 2022,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “I know that IDFA members and the dairy community are looking for opportunities to connect in-person, and nothing beats Dairy Forum in the beautiful Coachella Valley for inspiring that spirit of unity and engagement. For decades, Dairy Forum has connected the right people to the right issues at the right time to move our industry forward. Today, demand for delicious, nutritious dairy products is surging all around the world. Dairy Forum 2022 will provide new tools and thinking for our industry to continue to grow, better anticipate the future, and drive positive change for our employees, customers and consumers.”

Dairy Forum 2022 will take place January 23-26 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. Spread across three and a half days, the event includes main sessions, concurrent sessions, panel discussions, special presentations by sponsors and guests, receptions, meals, entertainment, and networking opportunities for leaders in the dairy industry.

The IDFA Dairy Forum offers various levels of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship is one of the best ways for an organization to brand itself among the dairy industry’s top leaders and thinkers.

To register for Dairy Forum 2022 and to learn more about sponsorships, visit www.dairyforum.org.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.