Have you introduced a creative new milk or dairy beverage or cultured dairy product during the past year? IDFA encourages member companies to consider entering its annual Most Innovative Milk or Dairy Beverage and Cultured Dairy Product Competition

All registered attendees for the Milk and Cultured Dairy Products Conference, May 20-21, are eligible to enter new products, which will be taste-tested and judged by other conference participants. The deadline for entering the competition is May 12.

“The contest is a great way to introduce your new products and possibly earn a big stamp of approval from people who know what it takes to make a great dairy product,” said John Allan, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards, and conference host.

Entries will be accepted in three categories:

  • The most innovative milk or cultured dairy product (yogurt, cultured milk, cottage cheese, dip, etc.),
  • The most innovative Greek yogurt; and
  • The most innovative milk or cultured dairy prototype flavor.

There is no limit to the number of entries, but companies will be asked to provide samples of each product for the official tasting on Tuesday, May 20, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Winners will be announced the following day, featured in a press release and mentioned on IDFA’s website.

Read about last year’s winners here: “Flavors of Luscious Lemon, Greek Maple and Fig Hazelnut Take Top Honors in Annual Dairy Products Contest.”

To enter, complete and email the entry form to Paxton Styles at pstyles@idfa.org. Once the forms are received, IDFA will send product shipment information to each participating company.

The Milk and Cultured Dairy Conference will be held May 20-21 in Indianapolis, Ind. It will explore cutting-edge innovations in the use of ingredients, processing technology, analytical methods, packaging and product development for milk, dairy beverages and cultured products, such as yogurt, sour creams, buttermilk and cottage cheese. Register today.

For more information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings assistant, at mvelasco@idfa.org.