• U.S. and Chile sign common names agreement

• Advancing U.S. protein opportunity in South Korea

• Visit with Argentinian ambassador

• Building demand for dairy in Indonesia

• U.S. dairy exports slip 5% in May

• USDEC objects to delay of detention and demurrage billing rule

• Equipping FAS attachés with vital information on exports

• Defending common names at WIPO  

• Correcting biases that work against dairy, trade in food systems discussions

• USDEC makes 91 Export Guide document updates in June 

• Register now for opportunity to exhibit at Gulfood 2025

• Engage in U.S. dairy ingredient seminars in Jakarta and Manila 

 

 

U.S. and Chile sign common names agreement
An agreement has been struck between the United States and Chile to safeguard the use of certain common terms for cheeses and meats.

This agreement is expected to give U.S. producers the opportunity to maintain and continue to grow their businesses and to supply Chilean consumers with specialty cheeses and meats using certain terms, according to this statement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

For the past year, the Consortium for Common Food Names, of which USDEC is a founder-member, has been working closely with the U.S. government and Chilean officials to address concerns related to market access for certain common food names. Under an EU-Chile trade agreement signed last December, provisions allowed discrimination against U.S. dairy and meat products.

But now, with an exchange of letters between U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Chile's Undersecretary of International Economic Relations Claudia Sanhueza, U.S. exporters will be able to continue to export all cheeses previously exported to Chile by U.S. exporters.

Back-to-back events highlight dairy protein benefits and U.S. capacity to serve the market to Korean KOLs, formulators
USDEC participated in two U.S. dairy ingredient events over the past two weeks to communicate the many benefits of dairy proteins (from nutrition to application versatility) to several key Korean audiences. The USDEC Ingredients team organized a Nutrition Experts Dialogue Meeting in Chicago on June 28, capitalizing on the travel schedules of members of the Korean Nutrition Society (KNS), who were already coming to town for the American Society for Nutrition’s “Nutrition 2024” conference. Back in Korea, USDEC ramped up its presence at the 2024 Korean Society of Food Science and Technology (KoSFoST) International Symposium and Annual Meeting, which ran from July 3-5.

Outreach to health professional key opinion leaders (KOLs)
Five representatives from KNS (including past and current leaders), five leading North American nutrition scientists and five USDEC and National Dairy Council staff met in Chicago for a peer-to-peer scientific exchange centered on optimizing protein intake in aging societies.

Korean Nutrition Society leaders, North American nutrition and protein experts, and USDEC/DMI staff strengthened relationships and protein understanding through presentations and robust Q&A and dialogue during the Korea-North America Nutrition Experts Dialogue Meeting focused on optimizing protein intake in aging societies.

Key points discussed included Korea’s rapidly aging population. USDEC Korea’s Shinhyung Chung explained how Korea passed a milestone in 2023: Last year was the first time that the number of people aged 70 and older outnumbered those in their 20s.

Dr. Hyo-Jee Joung, professor of public health science from the Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, highlighted the need for protein guidance for this growing segment of Korean consumers. To resonate with consumers, food and beverage products need to be not only healthful but also convenient and tailored to specific consumer preferences by age, gender and lifestyle. In addition, consumers need to hear that dairy proteins contain only minimal lactose—a misconception that she feels currently hinders demand growth.

Four North American nutrition experts provided updates on recent and ongoing nutrition research, with a focus on emerging discoveries on the benefits of protein (dairy in particular) beyond muscle health. All participants engaged in brainstorming on the next priorities for future nutrition research to address knowledge gaps.

“Staying connected with and strengthening relationships with the health and nutrition professional community in Korea is central to USDEC’s ingredient marketing strategy,” says Kristi Saitama, USDEC vice president, Global Ingredients Marketing. “It ensures these thought leaders are well-informed about the multi-faceted, science-backed health and sustainability advantages of U.S. dairy proteins and to cultivate their support as credible and knowledgeable dairy protein influencers to their peers and consumers.”

Additional presenters included Saitama; Janice Giddens, USDEC vice president, Sustainable Nutrition; and frequent USDEC collaborators Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian and owner of nutrition consulting company Active Eating Advice; and Dr. Matt Pikosky, vice president, nutrition research, National Dairy Council.

“The visiting scientists were very appreciative of the valuable engagement and learning opportunity, and we expect the connections made to result in further cross-sharing of information and collaboration as new discoveries on dairy protein for human health continue to emerge,” said Saitama. USDEC has already followed up with four participants on potential future speaking opportunities at USDEC marketing events in Asia.

Outreach to food and beverage processors and more
About 3,800 food and beverage formulators, food science students, and food industry and allied professionals attended the KoSFoST International Symposium and Annual Meeting in Daegu, South Korea. USDEC invited five speakers for the event, including Paul Moughan, distinguished professor of the Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand, who presented during the plenary session. Speaking to about 250 people, Moughan addressed common myths about protein and clarified that not all proteins are nutritionally equal (nor are they equal in terms of environmental footprint).

Among the myths he discussed was the misconception that people in mid- and high-income countries eat too much protein. Some vulnerable population groups in those countries, such as older adults, fall significantly short of optimal protein intake requirements.

“We know that many elderly have a habitual total protein intake below 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day, but they may actually have a higher target protein requirement of 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day in order to reduce the risk of sarcopenia, the age-related gradual and debilitating loss of muscle loss and function,” said Moughan. He called it “a critically important consideration to meet nutritional needs in a rapidly aging society like Korea.”

Another misconception is the perceived higher environmental footprint of dairy versus plant-based sources. Moughan pointed to his recent research comparatively analyzing various food sources and taking into account an often-overlooked factor: protein quality.

“Comparing the environmental footprints on a gross protein basis doesn’t account for differences in the protein quality of various foods nor the critical role of protein as a supply of dietary indispensable amino acids,” he said.

Dr. Paul Moughan, Massey University, discusses why DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) is a more accurate measure of protein quality than PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) during the plenary session. PDCAAS undervalues dairy proteins’ nutritional quality.

In addition to Moughan, USDEC organized a two-hour session attended by 90 people, highlighting untapped opportunities for Korean food and beverage makers to formulate more products that meet consumer demands for healthful foods that fit seamlessly within the Korean diet and lifestyle.

Speakers included:

• USDEC Korea’s Shinhyung Chung, showcased dairy protein prototypes and commercial products to inspire local-friendly innovation and reinforced why the United States is the ideal supply partner for Korea.
• Gary Hou, senior managing director for SPC Group’s flour business in Korea, explained how dairy proteins can be conveniently incorporated into noodle formulations to enhance color, texture and nutritional value. Noodles are a mainstay food in Korea but without dairy proteins, they lack certain essential amino acids.
• Don Lee, chief business officer of Medisola (a Korean nutrition and food technology company) and Jae-Sung Shin, R&D team leader from ramen noodle and snack food maker Samyang. The two reinforced the idea that Korea-friendly innovation with U.S. dairy proteins isn’t just a hypothetical situation but is already happening in the Korean marketplace with bright growth potential.
  
  

Visit with Argentinian ambassador helps prep for upcoming trade mission
In anticipation of the upcoming USDEC Trade Mission to Brazil and Argentina at the end of this month, USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden met this week with Argentina’s Ambassador to the United States Gerardo Werthein and his closest advisors.

Argentina has become a significant partner on sustainability and other matters of common interest in international forums including CODEX and FAO, and other topics including common food names. Ambassador Werthein emphasizes the importance of U.S.-Argentina relations and the efforts of the current government of Argentina to open trade and increase linkages between U.S. and Argentine business, including agriculture.

USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden, third from left, had an informative visit with Gerardo Werthein, Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, fourth from left, and his advisors. Shown at far left is USDEC Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs Nick Gardner and at far right is USDEC’s Executive Vice President of Policy Development Jaime Castaneda. The meeting took place July 8 at the Argentinian embassy in Washington, D.C.

Building demand for dairy in Indonesia
In the June 28 edition of Global Dairy eBrief we told you about a recent initiative, led by USDEC Senior Vice President of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs Jonathan Gardner and USDEC Executive Vice President of Trade Policy and Global Affairs Shawna Morris, to strengthen U.S.-Indonesian collaboration in support of a pledge made by Indonesia’s new president to provide nutritious meals and milk to all Indonesian school children.

One way to accomplish that goal, as well as encourage the overall demand for dairy products, is to boost the productivity of Indonesia’s small to mid-size dairy farmers.

Working with Robert Hagevoort, of New Mexico State University, and Dustin Cox, of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Gardner has assembled a cadre that includes Indonesian academics and cooperatives to develop technical education materials and modules for dairy farmers that can be disseminated on different platforms while also developing in-person training materials in order to provide educational opportunities to the maximum number of farmers.
 

U.S. dairy exports slip 5% in May
Coming on the heels of a 3% increase in April, the 5% decline in May reflects the unpredictable nature of the dairy export market in 2024, with varying trends across different products and regions.

While exports to China and Canada saw modest declines, there was a notable increase in exports to Mexico, Central America/Caribbean and South Korea. However, exports to Southeast Asia saw a significant decline in May as exports of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder fell by 51%.

Cheese and whey exports stood out during the month. U.S. cheese exports reached impressive heights in May, almost breaking the previous record set in March. Additionally, whey exports showed improvement, especially in high protein whey products driven by heightened demand from China. However, lower exports of milk powder and lactose weighed on the total figure.

Looking ahead, the challenge for the rest of the year will be to stabilize and enhance dairy export volumes. With global economic conditions improving and consumer confidence rising, there is potential for increased demand across various dairy products. Additionally, a positive outlook for the Chinese pork industry is expected to bolster whey demand.

Learn more in the blog post “U.S. dairy exports slip 5% in May.”

GDT dives
The Global Dairy Trade (GDT) Price Index fell 6.9% at the July 2 auction, marking the largest percentage drop since last August. NZX SGX futures markets heading into the auction predicted significant declines. However, pre-GDT futures trading has leaned toward the pessimistic side for weeks now (particularly on AMF) and auction results have usually outperformed. That all came to a halt last week.

Prices fell for all contract periods for all products (except lactose). AMF, which had been running at or near record highs for the past few auctions, had its day of reckoning. The average winning price plummeted 10.7% to US$6,517/MT. It was the largest percentage decline of the auction, but butter wasn’t far behind, plunging 10.2% to US$6,546/MT. Buyers appear to be stocked well enough to no longer be willing to pay the elevated prices, especially with a significant increase in butter and AMF volumes on offer compared to forecasts and the previous event.

Cheddar dropped 6.9% to US$3,980/MT; SMP fell 6.1% to US$2,586/MT; and WMP slid 4.3% to US$3,218/MT.

North Asia (China) was once again relatively quiet on the buying end, and the Middle East also took a step back as well, leaving the heavy lifting to Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia was the top buyer of SMP, WMP, AMF and cheddar.

Markets have clearly softened, as demand remains lethargic, supply good enough and buyers sufficiently stocked—a situation that is unlikely to change in the short term.

USDA releases recommended FMMO modernization plan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a Recommended Decision on its website, outlining changes to the standard pricing formulas that apply to all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders.

This decision comes after a 49-day Federal Order hearing during which USDA listened to testimonies and considered evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry.

USDEC, others object to delaying effective date of detention and demurrage billing rule
USDEC has joined 63 shippers, cargo owners, trucking companies, and other supply chain stakeholders in expressing their “strong opposition” to a petition filed by the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association to extend the effective date of the Detention and Demurrage Billing Requirements Final Rule.

In a letter to David Eng, Secretary of the Federal Maritime Commission, they emphasized their support for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, which included the Detention and Demurrage Billing Requirements Rule as a key element. The Rule addresses lingering challenges U.S. exporters have faced with unfair and improper charges even after the supply chain crisis subsided.

They go on to note that the Rule already went into effect on May 28. Providers impacted by the Rule have already put their systems in place to ensure compliance, and other impacted stakeholders have adjusted their business practices.

“Any kind of delay now of a rule already in effect would cause significant challenges and potential chaos in the marketplace,” the letter states.

USDEC equips FAS attachés with vital information on exports
USDEC works closely with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and its attachés in their offices around the globe to grow and develop export markets for U.S. dairy.

This week, at the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council Annual Attaché Seminar in McLean, Virginia, USDEC Chief Operating Officer Martha Scott Poindexter and representatives from Trade Policy and Market Access and Regulatory Affairs, met with attachés from 12 countries -- Belgium (EU), Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Senegal, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom -- to discuss dairy exports and equip the attachés with the information they need to better advocate on behalf of the U.S. dairy industry.

Defending common names at WIPO
Jaime Castaneda, USDEC executive vice president, Policy Development and Strategy, and executive director for the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), was in Geneva, Switzerland, this week to represent the interests of dairy and other generic food and beverage producers at the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) general assembly.

CCFN holds WIPO “observer status” thanks to its leadership in championing the interests of manufacturers who use common names and countering the European Union from monopolizing generic terms. (CCFN was founded by USDEC.)

This week’s meeting is an important one, Castaneda points out, “since we have made significant inroads within WIPO to have a balanced conversation on the issue of geographical indications and protecting common food/beverage names.”

Castaneda met with a number of country delegations and associations, including the U.S. delegation to WIPO and the World Trade Organization, to provide background on CCFN and its efforts to protect the rights of consumers, producers and processors.

Jaime Castaneda, USDEC executive vice president of policy development and strategy and executive director for the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), represented dairy interests this week at the World Intellectual Property Organization general assembly.

Correcting biases that work against dairy and trade in global food systems discussions
USDEC Vice President, Sustainable Nutrition, Janice Giddens was in Rome last week for a meeting of the UN’s Committee on World Food Security (CFS). CFS is currently developing policy recommendations on “Reducing Inequalities for Food Security and Nutrition,” and met to negotiate this global policy guidance, which includes recommendations that negatively characterize trade and recommend restrictive policy measures.

Left unchecked, this problematic language could undermine dairy consumption and U.S. dairy exports. As a member of the Private Sector Mechanism (PSM), USDEC is working to push back against anti-corporate and anti-modern agriculture biases prevalent in policy guidance. USDEC contributed significantly to comments and live negotiations that have taken place over the past year, which have resulted in more balanced language that will benefit food security and nutrition.

Trade is beneficial
Draft language within the earliest versions of the policy document was rife with biases from hyperlocal food advocates who sought to position international trade as a driver of food system inequalities, a promoter of food nutrition insecurity, and an exploiter of farmers and women.

The comments drafted by USDEC (and included in the official PSM position) successfully refuted that characterization, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach. Framing trade liberalization in a negative manner runs counter to evidence demonstrating that restricting trade would actually increase the prevalence of undernourished people by up to 47%, the comments note. In addition, more open trade scenarios have the potential to decrease the prevalence of undernutrition by 64%.

Innovation and technology will help solve inequalities
Similarly, the original draft notes innovation and technology as systemic drivers and root causes of inequalities. This narrow and overly negative perception failed to acknowledge the full potential and reality of food science and technology. USDEC advocated for a more balanced view of innovation and technology that acknowledges its potential to advance sustainable productivity growth and address the various challenges the agrifood sector is facing, including nutrition and food security.

Revised policy recommendations on reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition are expected to be endorsed during the CFS annual convening in October 2024.

Work ongoing
USDEC will continue to advocate for action-oriented global policy recommendations that elevate the role of the U.S. dairy sector as an environmental solution provider and producer of nutrient-rich foods and ingredients that improve nutrition and can reduce inequalities for future generations. That includes pushing back on policies that seek to define “sustainable” agriculture practices and undermine trade narrowly.

As the negotiations continue through the end of the year, USDEC will remain engaged to demonstrate U.S. dairy leadership in UN forums and among member states, supporting language that recognizes the importance of international trade, science, innovation and technology, and the positive role of the business community in addressing food and nutrition security.

USDEC makes 91 Export Guide document updates in June
The MARA team updated or revised 91 documents in the USDEC Export Guide last month. Here are some highlights:

Volume 1: Tariffs and Classification

• Argentina reduced the MFN tariff for calcium caseinate powder through May 2025.
• Brazil temporarily eliminated the tariff for specific food preparations of 2106.90.90 through June 2025.
• Dominican Republic instituted the DR-CAFTA safeguard tariff on mozzarella under 0406.10.10 for the remainder of the calendar year.

Volume 2: Import Requirements

• Colombia: U.S. Dairy Plant Registration or Approval section indicates the extended transition time for plant registration from INVIMA to ICA until September 30, 2024.
• Korea: Mandatory Testing section modification to state that products with the same country, facility, processing methods and raw materials that have been imported within five years will be exempt from mandatory testing.
• New Zealand: Certificates of Analysis section now indicates that certificates will be accepted from ISO 17025 laboratories only.

Volume 3: Labeling and Product Standards

• Canada: Yogurt, Drinkable Yogurt, and Kefer document modified to include vitamin D marketing authorization.
• Chile: Fluid Milk, Milk Powder and Cream Powder standards revised to include vitamin D fortification revisions.
• Uruguay: Cheese document modified to reflect the use of starches in high moisture cheeses.

Every month, USDEC’s Market Access team emails a list of guide updates to interested members. If there is anyone at your company who should be included on the distribution list for that email in the future, please contact Jessica Smith at jsmith@usdec.org.


FDA opens India plant list registration
On June 27, the FDA opened registration for the India plant list in the Export Listing Module (ELM).

All exporters that wish to be included on the plant list for dairy products must register in the ELM by August 23. FDA will then send the list of registered plants to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to meet their September 1 deadline. All companies that wish to be included on the India plant list must register through the ELM regardless of whether you provided information to USDEC earlier this year. FDA will only submit plants registered directly in the FDA ELM to FSSAI.

See Volume 2 of USDEC’s Export Guide for more information on India’s plant registration requirements. Contact Sandra Benson at sbenson@usdec.org with questions.

India to allow limited duty-free SMP imports
In an effort to curb rising food prices, the Indian government announced a series of temporary tariff reductions for certain food products, including SMP. India will allow select dairy cooperatives to import an aggregate 10,000 MT of SMP at zero duty.

India has not imported more than 1,200 MT of SMP in a single year since 2012. The last time its SMP imports spiked was from 2010-2012, when rising food prices and inconsistent monsoon seasons prompted the government to loosen import controls. Indian SMP imports averaged more than 22,000 MT per year for those three years.

Register now for opportunity to exhibit at Gulfood 2025
Gulfood 2025 will take place Feb.17-21 and there are 16 spaces in the USDEC pavilion available to members interested in participating in the annual event. Because interest in this popular show usually exceeds available USDEC booth space, spots at Gulfood 2025 will again be allocated via a random lottery system. Please note the following details:

• To be entered in the lottery draw to participate in the USDEC booth, you must complete this form by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 18. Entries are limited to one per company.
• After this deadline, USDEC will only be able to accommodate requests for a booth space after all members who expressed interest via the form have been allocated a space OR if there is a cancellation.
• Spot allocation will be determined on Friday, July 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET. All selected companies must complete a copy of the USDEC Event Participation Agreement within one week of the lottery draw to confirm participation, or their spot will be forfeited.
• The 2025 participation fees are $10,000 for an interior booth and $11,500 for a corner booth. These fees will be nonrefundable except as detailed in the USDEC Event Participation Agreement.
• USDEC will communicate more details about the exact booth locations for selected companies in early August.
  
  

Upcoming events in SE Asia offer opportunities
Five exciting events in Southeast Asia are on the horizon, providing opportunities for marketing U.S. dairy ingredients and USDEC member engagement.

U.S. Dairy Supply and Innovation Seminar
USDEC will host a U.S. Dairy Supply and Innovation Seminar in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday, September 2, preceding the start of the Food Ingredients Asia (Fi Asia) show (September 4-6), where USDEC will have a booth. The seminar will showcase the world-class supply capabilities of the U.S. dairy industry to the local trade and discuss the latest global dairy outlook and product trends driving demand for U.S. dairy ingredients. USDEC members will present at the event, introducing their advantages to support customer growth and success with U.S. dairy ingredients. There will also be opportunities for suppliers to meet one-on-one with participants from across Southeast Asia. USDEC members interested in engaging in the seminar should contact USDEC at their earliest convenience to learn more. (See whom to contact below.)

Fi Asia
The USDEC booth (#D25) at Fi Asia will showcase innovation potential with U.S. dairy ingredients, enabling show attendees to experience first-hand (through product prototype sampling and packaging displays) opportunities for developing new products that leverage these ingredients to deliver on demand for convenient, nutritious products. USDEC’s presence at the show will also communicate the U.S. dairy story and help amplify the presence of USDEC members attending and exhibiting separately at the show. USDEC members attending Fi Asia should reach out to let us know.

Fi Vietnam, Technical Workshop at U.S. CDE
USDEC will exhibit with six members at the Food Ingredients Vietnam show in Ho Chi Minh City (October 9-11). While spaces to exhibit within USDEC’s booth are full, there will be a hands-on technical workshop at the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence (U.S. CDE) for Vietnamese F&B manufacturers the week after the show. The two-day U.S. Dairy Protein Beverage Innovation Workshop at the U.S. CDE in Singapore follows the Fi Vietnam show, presenting a potential opportunity for those participating or otherwise in the region to further their engagement with Vietnamese end-users. The content will focus on introducing beverage application opportunities with U.S. dairy ingredients for Vietnamese formulators, demonstrating functional benefits and usage considerations for formulating local-friendly products with U.S. dairy proteins.

U.S. Dairy Ingredient Seminar in Manila, the Philippines
USDEC will host a seminar on November 7 in Manila that will highlight the U.S. dairy industry’s supply advantages to the local trade and discuss opportunities with U.S. dairy ingredients—with a focus on opportunities with U.S. milk powder. Topics will include the outlook for U.S. dairy production and feature research and insights into the nutrition benefits and application opportunities for U.S. dairy ingredients. The seminar presents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for USDEC members in attendance to engage with local trade, with opportunities for networking with attendees slated as part of the agenda. This is the first USDEC-organized ingredient seminar in the Philippines since the pandemic and USDEC members are invited and highly encouraged to participate.

Webinar: Innovate to Elevate - U.S. Dairy Ingredient Formulation Opportunities for Food and Beverage Innovators
USDEC will be hosting an hour-long webinar on August 28 for Southeast Asian customers, centered on spurring expanded usage and innovation with U.S. dairy ingredients. Filmed at the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence, the webinar will help customers to understand key considerations for selecting the best-fit U.S. dairy ingredient based on the intended end-use application and functional needs. It will also include an in-kitchen segment highlighting U.S. dairy ingredient bakery and snack prototypes.

USDEC members interested in these opportunities should contact Keith Meyer at kmeyer@usdec.org to learn more.
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U.S. cheeses earn 84 medals at international competition
U.S. cheeses earned 27 gold medals, 27 silver medals and 30 bronze medals at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards held June 27 in Stafford, England.

USDEC members won 27 medals, including eight gold medals.

“The results of this competition prove yet again that the United States can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with cheesemakers from Europe or any country in the world,” says Ryan Hopkin, director, cheese marketing communications at USDEC. “U.S. cheesemakers’ ongoing success in competing for—and winning—prestigious awards at the international level demonstrates their expertise and commitment to crafting high-quality, great-tasting cheeses.”

“We’ve said it before and we’ve seen it in the field when we meet with consumers, chefs and customers: Success at events like the International Cheese and Dairy Awards is good for all U.S. cheese and dairy suppliers because it extends a quality halo across U.S. dairy in general,” added Angélique Hollister, USDEC senior vice president, Global Cheese Marketing.

USDEC sponsored the competition by covering the entry costs for U.S. cheeses made with cow’s milk or mix-milk. USDEC also sponsored a trophy at the competition recognizing the Best USA Cheese.

Cincinnati-based Urban Stead Cheese won the Best USA Cheese trophy for its  “Streed Ched” traditional clothbound cheddar.

Dairy initiatives create impact for African dairy farmers
Dairy companies continue to work with African farmers for mutual progress and benefits throughout the continent. In Nigerian Kano state, dairy farmers have seen significant productivity improvements as a result of investments made in the dairy value chain by Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Olam Food Ingredients (OFI). The investment initiative was launched five years ago in collaboration with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union, with the goal of enhancing dairy farmers’ capacities, upgrading milk collection and storage facilities in farming clusters, and improving cattle health support.

Officials in the region say the efforts have resulted in increased herd productivity and reduced open grazing, as well as enabling dairy farmers to settle in one place — both of which have reduced conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers. The investments have also reportedly enhanced the income of dairy farmers while enabling increased school attendance among their children, and allowing dairy farmers’ wives to spend more time at home because they now sell their milk directly to Outspan Nigeria rather than hawking their milk in local markets. A spokesperson for Outspan Nigeria said the company will continue to consider opportunities that enable quality investments in developing the local dairy value chain to drive more productivity in dairy farming communities.

In South Africa, Nestlé announced the expansion of its low-carbon dairy farming initiative. Building on the success of its Skimmelkrans Dairy pilot project in George, Western Cape, 96 farms along the Garden Route have now adopted the company’s regenerative agriculture practices to enhance sustainable milk production in South Africa. Nestlé said those 96 farms are now supplying fresh milk to its factory in Mossel Bay.

Nestlé launched the Skimmelkrans Net Zero Carbon Emissions Project in 2020 with the aim of creating the company’s first dairy farm to reach net zero carbon emissions while enhancing biodiversity. The project leverages techniques such as biological pest control, zero tillage and solar power. Results from the project to date include annual averages of 500 tons of manure processed, 14.5 million liters of water recycled, and 6,000 tons of carbon sequestrated through soil work. A Nestlé official said the company is aiming to expand this initiative to inspire other dairy farms across Africa with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. (USDEC MENA Office; Dairy Business Africa, 6/11/24; Independent Online, 6/30/24)

Indonesian Dairy4Development project concludes
FrieslandCampina subsidiary Frisian Flag Indonesia announced the successful completion of the 10-year ‘Dairy4Development’ project in Pangalengan and Lembang, Indonesia. The project was launched in 2013 with six partners and the goal of increasing local high-quality milk production. Roughly 3,500 local dairy farmers participated in the initiative, which was supported by a grant of €4 million (about US$4.3 million) from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A FrieslandCampina statement said key project achievements include enhancements in the dairy farmers’ knowledge and skills, improved cooperative services, and increased milk productivity and quality. Valuable lessons were learned regarding improvement opportunities in areas such as barn renovation strategies, involving young farmers, and financial literacy training. (Company reports)

Arla invests in Denmark, shutters U.K. plant
To support the growth of its milk-based beverage segment, Denmark-based Arla Foods invested around DKK 200 million (about US$29 million) in its Esbjerg Dairy Center in Denmark. The funds will be used to construct new buildings, install new processing equipment and for general maintenance. A company spokesman said the investment is designed to accommodate expected growth for its milk drinks business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Meanwhile, Arla said it will close its Melton Mowbray creamery in the U.K. after failing to find a buyer. The plant, known locally as Tuxford and Tebbutt, produces stilton cheese and has been for sale since January. (FoodBev Media, 7/11/24; Just Food, 7/1/24)

Mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures
In a move to grow its coffee and tea businesses, the Philippines’ largest restaurant operator, Jollibee Foods Corp., will acquire a 70% stake in South Korea’s Compose Coffee. … Toronto-based fast-food chain operator Restaurant Brands International (RBI) is investing $45 million to boost growth of its Popeyes and Tim Hortons brands in China. RBI said it is paying $15 million to acquire Popeyes China from Tims China, the operator of both Popeyes and Tim Hortons in the country, and investing $30 million into Tims China. (Bloomberg, 7/4/24; Restaurant Business, 7/1/24)

• One of the highlights of business development mission to China was a visit to Jiangnan University
• A great meeting with Yum China!
• Meeting with U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns an opportunity to learn more about trade opportunities in China   
• USDEC's Business Development Mission to China builds on trade relationships
• Shawna Morris and Jonathan Gardner lead U.S. delegation to Indonesia