Dairy provides 13 essential nutrients that are central to good health for Americans. However, there are still barriers to accessing these benefits for many communities across the country. What health and nutrition benefits do dairy products offer to improve health outcomes? How can the dairy industry partner with physicians to communicate dairy's health benefits?

Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts on nutrition access: Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical Association.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

U.S. Secretary of Heath and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has elevated the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, pledging to implement its agenda through federal policymaking, while Congress forms a MAHA Caucus to explore legislative avenues. How will this movement affect policy change in food, agriculture, and nutrition?

Hear from two experts on food policy: Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports, and Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix.

Want an even deeper dive into MAHA? Sign up for IDFA's three-part webinar series here. 

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Snacking is another great opportunity for Americans to consume dairy in their day-to-day lives. What trends are on the rise for snack foods? And how does dairy fit in as a healthy snack option? 

Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts on dairy products for snacking: Rod Hogan, senior vice president of new platform development at Sargento, and Dhriti Batra, brand director for Lactalis Heritage Dairy's cultured dairy business.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

As we kick off 2025, what are the trends, surprises, highs and lows shaping dairy markets? How did consumer demand fluctuate last year? What opportunities are there for growth in the coming year?

Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from our panel of dairy market experts: Eric Meyer, president of HighGround Dairy, Rebecca Wallick, senior director for dairy sourcing & policy with HP Hood, and Mary Ledman, global dairy strategist with Rabobank.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

The holiday season is here! What holiday trends impact consumer demand for dairy? How does dairy show up in delicious holiday delights?

Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download as we talk with two experts who can help us dive into holiday dairy flavors, trends, recipes, and more: Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Organic Dairy, and Matt Flavin, West Division Sales Manager for Cheese Merchants.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

New market access and increased exports continue to be key priorities for the dairy industry. What is the current trade outlook for dairy? What could new tariffs mean for dairy trade? What are the opportunities for growth under the incoming administration and new Congress?

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts tuned into all things trade policy to help us understand what's next for dairy: Ron Baumgarten, of counsel at BakerHostetler, and Steve Orava, partner at King & Spalding.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Butter is back and better than ever! What are consumers looking for from their butter? What is the outlook for butter demand? How are companies staying on the cutting edge of product innovation?

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from butter experts working to bring the best of butter to American consumers: Adam Mueller, CEO with Minerva Dairy, and Sarah Healy, senior vice president of marketing with Cabot Creamery. 

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Delicious, and packed with 13 essential nutrients that we all need to thrive and live healthy lives, dairy stands out as a key solution to addressing hunger and food insecurity. How are dairy industry leaders tapping into dairy's nutritional potential to address nutritional challenges?

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts at the forefront of innovation and partnerships in nutrition and hunger solutions.

We are thrilled to be joined by Nishant Roy, chief impact officer with Chobani, and Jerod Matthews, senior director of commodity foods for dairy with Feeding America, to talk about everything from the role of dairy's key nutrients in meeting nutrition security needs to the ways the dairy industry has stepped up to create sustainable, nutritious products for vulnerable communities.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Dairy ingredient companies are constantly innovating to meet the rising and changing consumer demands for functional nutrition. Where is this market headed? How are leaders in this space highlighting dairy’s health benefits and staying relevant to today’s consumer? 

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear two nutrition and functional dairy product experts discuss the latest trends shaping the health-enhancing product market.

Vivien Sheehan, Vice President of Business Development for Nutritional & Functional Ingredients with Kerry, and Hannah Thompson, a registered dietitian and expert on nutrition and social media, share with us their expertise about the ways these products can help fill in nutritional gaps, how the market for these products is changing, and how social media can influence nutrition consumer trends.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Health and wellness are top priorities for many American consumers. With high nutrient density and key benefits for gut health and bone density, yogurt and cultured dairy products are increasingly popular foods to meet consumer preferences. What does the latest science reveal about the health benefits of these products? How can companies balance nutritional goals with consumer taste preferences? What innovations are on the horizon for this category?

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to explore how leading dairy companies are leveraging the health benefits of yogurt and cultured dairy products, along with the latest consumer trends! We are excited to be joined by two experts leading the charge in the production and consumer education around these nutritious products.

Jesse Merrill, founder & CEO of Good Culture, and Amanda Blechman, Director of Nutrition and Scientific Affairs at Danone North America, discuss the growth of cultured dairy and why it’s an excellent choice for consumers looking to support their nutritional needs. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the dynamic world of yogurt and cultured dairy!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

From quick service restaurants to casual eateries and fine dining, restaurants are serving up delicious meals and innovative deals to customers every day. What flavor and product trends are appearing most on menus? What segments of the food service industry are currently seeing the most traffic?

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to dig in to the latest in food service industry trends! We are joined by two experts who work closely with restaurants to talk about traffic patterns across different dining experiences, customer trends on the rise, and how dairy can meet the ever-changing needs of the food service industry.
 
Trisha Hanold, consumer insights analyst with Schreiber Foods, and R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, share with us the ups and downs of the food service world and how restaurants stay on the cutting edge to keep customers coming back.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Summer is here and National Ice Cream Month is right around the corner, which means it’s a great time to chat about America’s favorite frozen treat. What are the latest and greatest ice cream flavors on the market? How do consumer preferences around ice cream change in the summer months?
 
Tune in to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to find out! We are joined by two leading ice cream companies to talk about flavor development, frozen novelty product innovations, and the joys of sharing such a cherished dessert with customers across the country.

Rich Graeter, president and CEO of Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Lauren Lewis, public relations manager at Blue Bell Creameries, share with us the ins and outs of the ice cream business and how they keep their products fresh and exciting year-round.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Research suggests that Americans of all backgrounds recognize the nutritional importance of dairy. And yet, about 90% of Americans still do not get enough dairy in their diet. How can we change that? What lactose-free dairy options are currently available and how do we see the category expanding? What barriers still exist to dairy nutrition? 

Join us for this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts about the barriers to dairy nutrition among Americans, how the dairy industry can make the nutrition from dairy products more accessible, and the latest innovations and advancements in lactose-free dairy. 
 
Dr. Tamika Sims, PhD, senior director of food technology communications with the International Food Information Council, and Darin Copeland, public relations manager for Prairie Farms Dairy, share with us the latest research on dairy nutrition and consumer behavior and highlight some of the new products revolutionizing the lactose-free dairy category.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

With advancements in technology and innovations in digital retail and marketing, it is becoming easier and easier for consumers to find the products they need online. As online retail becomes more prevalent, what does that mean for dairy? What levels of growth are we seeing in online grocery shopping? How does the digital shelf impact brick and mortal retail?  
 
Join us for this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to get insight into the online food retail world from two experts who have a pulse on changing consumer behaviors and expectations, innovations in technology and marketing strategies, and what opportunities the digital shelf can create for the dairy market. 

Andy Beilke, senior development manager with General Mills, and Steve Markenson, vice president of research and insights with FMI – The Food Industry Association, talk to us about the ins and outs of the digital shelf, the rise of online shopping, and what’s on the horizon for online retail and marketing of dairy products.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

From increasing dairy capacity and rising exports to decreased milk production and variable consumer demand, the beginning of 2024 has presented the dairy industry with plenty of tailwinds and headwinds. What was the most surprising market trend from the past few months? What factors will drive the dairy market moving forward? 

Tune in to get insight from two expert panelists on where the dairy market stands today and what we can expect as we dive into the summer months!
 
Sara Dorland managing partner at Ceres Dairy Risk Management, and Mike McCully, president and owner of McCully Consulting, talk to us about consumer demand, milk supply, pricing, dairy export markets, and what trends we might see throughout the rest of the year.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Sweet dreams are truly made of cheese! From brie, mozzarella, and parmesan to pepperoncino and burrata, there’s a cheese for every occasion. More and more consumers are reaching for specialty cheeses for their cooking, charcuterie, and snacking needs. What does that mean for innovation in specialty cheeses? How do cheese companies adapt to changing consumer preferences and demand?
 
Joining us this week on The Dairy Download are two guests at the center of the specialty cheese industry, who can talk to the rising trends, innovations, flavors, and more!

Bob McManus, executive vice president of sale with Sartori, and Francesca Elfner, vice president of BelGioioso, talk to us about consumer demand for specialty cheese, marketing their products, the new opportunities and challenges facing their segment of dairy, and what new and exciting flavors and trends are on the horizon.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

AI is on the cutting edge of new and growing technology that can be leveraged to enhance production, supply chain efficiency, and product sales. How are dairy companies adapting to incorporate this tool into their operations? What else is on the horizon for AI, and how can the dairy industry rise to meet it? 

Joining us this week on The Dairy Download are two guests who know how powerful AI can be as an advantage for dairy businesses and have built partnerships across the industry to realize this tool for all aspects of dairy production and distribution.
 
Sandeep Anand, senior director and head of machine learning solutions with Infor, and Dr. Sushil Verma, founder and CTO of Austin Data Labs, part of the Ever.ag family of companies, talk to us about how AI can make businesses more adaptable while increasing efficiency and enhancing existing processes. Anand and Verma share what they see as the next step in innovations for AI and machine learning.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Consumer debt is on the rise. Interest rates and land values remain high. Global agricultural trade has been flat while production increases. So, where is the ag economy headed?
 
Joining us this week on The Dairy Download are two guests who know the ins and outs of agricultural markets.

Corey Geiger, the lead economist for dairy production and processing with CoBank, and Dr. Michael Swanson, chief agricultural economist within Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute, talk to us about interest rates, land values, market trends, and the economic outlook for U.S. agriculture.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic are traditionally prescribed to treat diabetes and obesity. But recently, these drugs have broken into the mainstream as a weight loss solution. As we learn more about the implications and long-term effects of these drugs, questions arise about their impact on food demand. Are medications like Ozempic here to stay? And what does their increasing popularity mean for food sales and consumer trends?

Joining us this week on The Dairy Download are two guests have analyzed consumer behavior changes due to increased use of GLP-1 drugs.
 
Darren Seifer, an industry advisor for consumer goods and food service with Circana, and Dan Frommer, founder and editor in chief of The New Consumer, talk to us about the rise of GLP-1 drugs, their impacts on consumers, and how they will continue to shape food sales across different categories.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

The 33.8 million meals served each day in public schools provide a variety of healthy foods and beverages, including milk and dairy. Milk contains 13 essential nutrients that are critical to ensure children’s healthy growth and development. It is also the primary source of protein, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium for kids aged 2-18. School meals are a key opportunity for children to get important nutrients in their day, and milk is a central part of that. 

Joining us this week on The Dairy Download are two guests who help deliver the nutritious milk options enjoyed by students across the country. Flavored milk, whole milk, and 2% milk along with 1% and skim milk all offer nutrient dense options that students can enjoy. However, processors and schools continue to face difficulties in providing a full suite of milk options to their students.
 
Chuck Turner, president of Turner Dairy Farms, and Sean Steichen, senior director of strategic initiatives at Diversified Foods Inc. and NextGen Leadership Program alumni, discuss the nutritional importance of milk in school meals, the innovations in the school milk space, and why school milk is important to their businesses.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

America currently faces chronic food insecurity and many families across the country struggle with hunger every day. Dairy products are nutrient-dense, and increasing access to affordable options can increase food security for those struggling the most.
 
This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by two guests who are working to increase access to dairy with the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) program. HFMI projects provide SNAP beneficiaries with a dollar-for-dollar match when they purchase healthy fluid milk options.

Alicia Powers, managing director for Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute, and Becky Bronkema, director of merchandising for dairy and frozen foods at Meijer, dive into how this program is being implemented across the country, and how it can expand in the future.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Sporting events bring friends and family together to celebrate, cheer on your team, and serve up some delicious meals. With one of the biggest American game days right around the corner, let’s look at what is in dairy’s starting lineup for the event!

This week on The Dairy Download, we talk with two experts in marketing and brand engagement with leading dairy companies about what trends they see in the weeks and months leading up to the Super Bowl, and what products their companies are serving up this year.

Erin Price, senior vice president of marketing with Sargento, and Elena Umanskaya, vice president of marketing with Lactalis Heritage Dairy, share what opportunities around game day are most exciting for their product lines, and how marketing for sporting events can help bring delicious dairy products to more homes across the country.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Despite its recent economic woes and slowing dairy import demand, China represents an expansive market with new opportunities for long-term growth for U.S. dairy exports.

This week on The Dairy Download, we talk with two experts who have served with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to talk about where the U.S.-China trade relationship stands today, and where we might be headed in the future.

What are some of the unique challenges present in the U.S. trade relationship with China? How might the U.S.-China trade relationship change in the future? How would the dairy industry benefit from more robust trade agreements in Asia? Wendy Cutler, a former USTR negotiator, and Eric Trachtenberg, a former FAS official, provide the inside scoop on expanding dairy’s market access in China.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

As 2023 comes to a close, The Dairy Download takes a look at some of the year’s market trends, surprises, highs and lows, and dives into what we might see in 2024. How did Mexico’s strength and China’s weakness impact dairy exports? How did consumer demand fluctuate throughout the year and what did that mean for the dairy market?

Tune in to get insight from three expert panelists on what the dairy market will look like in the new year!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Trade with India. Rising interest rates. Alcoholic dairy drinks. If it impacted the dairy industry, we covered it this year on The Dairy Download. Join our hosts for a special year-in-review episode as we take a look back at this year’s notable topics and quotable guests.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!