What are the next hot ideas in cold dairy products? The American Dairy Science Association (ASDA) went to a warm locale, Phoenix, to host its annual meeting and the inaugural Dairy Research Institute New Product Competition.
ASDA says it organized and funded the event with support from the Dairy Research Institute (DRI) and the industry’s dairy check-off program. Officials say the competition helps inspire dairy innovation and challenges college students to develop dairy-based products that meet consumer needs. This year, sponsors challenged all participants to create a dairy beverage that included more than 51% of fresh milk, dry milk or other dairy ingredients.
“The estimated $37 billion beverage industry presents significant opportunities for dairy-based drinks,” said Bill Graves, DRI senior vice president. “Generating ideas based on consumer needs and trends identified by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, students demonstrated innovative ways that dairy can help meet this demand. Their idea-sparking beverages were great-tasting and nutritious, delivering what consumers expect from dairy products. We congratulate all the students on the work they submitted and encourage industry to consider these opportunities.”