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Sustainability, Supply Chain, Export Markets Key Topics Among Dairy Producers AARON HAND | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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HEN THE U.S. DAIRY Export Council was formed almost 27 years ago, the U.S. was exporting only about 2% of its production. Today, it’s closer to 18%. If not for some of the headwinds being created by shipping issues, it would’ve been more like 20% last year, according to Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the council. “People love our products, they want our products, they want to be able to afford our products,” Harden told an audience at the recent Cheese Expo in Milwaukee. “It’s up to us whether we’re going to step up and meet that demand.” Joining Harden on stage for the keynote discussion were a handful of cheese and milk execs—all of whom lamented the supply chain woes that have befallen this industry along with just about every other industry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. David Ahlem, president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese, says that supply chain issues were a leading challenge for his company. “We’ve been selling a lot of stuff, but we can’t get it to customers right now,” he says. There’s underlying optimism that goes along with that. “Customers want to purchase our products even at current price
levels. I’m excited about the longterm demand in the marketplace,” Ahlem says. But there’s also concern that the situation cannot continue if Hilmar wants to continue to get business. “Long term, it affects our ability to be a reliable supplier. Customers need to know whether we can be that predictable supplier. And we need to be.” From Harden’s perspective, it’s a concern worth losing sleep over. “I’m a good sleeper,” she says. “But the thing that wakes me up is this shipping situation.” It used to be that U.S. dairy producers would export only what they happened to have leftover. “The industry worked so hard to change that narrative,” she says. “Is there concern that this is going to flip back some of that narrative?” No, says David Lenzmeier, CEO of Milk Specialties Global. Looking at the outlook in key competing geographies, such as Europe and New Zealand, the capabilities come from North America, he says. “This is the place to be. We have the most competitive milk producers in the world in terms of size, scale, and efficiency.”
The spread of sustainability The U.S. is in a pretty good position when it comes to the sustain-
FDA Issues Draft Action Levels for Lead in Juice The FDA is moving to limit lead in ready-to-drink apple juice and other single-strength juices and juice blends, supporting its Closer to Zero action plan.
Kind’s Bee-Friendly Almond Sourcing Commitment Progress Since setting its bee-friendly commitment in 2020, Kind has encouraged the expanded usage of bee-friendly practices across the almond industry. Beefriendly farmland in California has grown to more than 125,000 acres.
McCormick Names Brendan Foley as President and COO Brendan Foley has been appointed as McCormick’s chief operating officer and president, effective June 1, when he will assume responsibility for all of McCormick’s business units and its supply chain worldwide.
Mondelēz Plans to Sell Chewing Gum Business Suffering a severe decline in gum brand sales during COVID-19 lockdowns, Mondelēz International announced it’s selling this business segment, including Dentyne, Stride, Trident, and other brands, in developed markets.
Anheuser-Busch to Invest $50 Million in St. Louis Brewery The company is adding a dedicated building that will house new systems and equipment, and upgrading a can line with advanced technical equipment, to expand the site’s seltzer and packaging capabilities and streamline the addition of flavors to the seltzer liquid.
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| June 2022 | PROFOOD WORLD
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5/31/22 3:44 PM
