When I started in the grocery industry over 36 years ago, many companies had a direct sales force, selling directly to retail stores, where an entry level sales representative could learn not only about the company for which they worked, but also about the industry.  These were low risk positions …

The consumer has spoken, and they have demonstrated with their purchases that they love milk. But just not any milk; they have shown a preference for milk which tastes good and for the milk that presents some innovation.  Milk consumption is on the increase in the following segments: whole, flavored …

During the ten years I have been involved with the dairy industry, the focus of industry marketing messages, has been on sharing, and being transparent with consumers, about how dairy farmers care for their animals, their land and their communities.   This communication came as a result of consumer research which …

For the last several years, we heard much about the need for product innovation within the dairy industry, and 2018 was no exception. Yogurt and cheese manufacturers have both responded to consumers and have provided them with new product introductions which provide them with enhanced category and product experiences. However, …

September is Hispanic National Heritage month. Are you connecting with this important shopper in your in your dairy department? Here’s why you should: Hispanics represent 17% of the U.S. population. They are the fastest growing ethnic group and will be the largest ethnic group in the U.S. by 2020 and …

Dear Readers… After a serious health scare which sidelined me for a few months…. I’m back! Before I jump back into writing about the grocery industry and the dairy category, I want to provide you with an update about the health journey. Hopefully hearing about my health journey will be …

On a recent trip to Spain, I had an opportunity to tour a few grocery stores. No matter the time I spend in a store, it’s never enough. I think I could walk every department, every dairy aisle, read every label, and speak to shoppers, and still not be satisfied …

There are many consumer research studies available today which indicate that consumers want transparency in their food production. The research has concluded: they want to know who is producing their food; they want to know the animals were well taken care of in the production of their food; they want …

As I sit in the Orange County, Calif. airport waiting for my return flight to Minneapolis, I am overwhelmed thinking about my action-packed trip to the International Dairy, Deli, Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Anaheim. The staff at IDDBA is to be commended for the incredible amount of planning that …