Contact: Jeannette Roeder
(202) 220-3562
jroeder@idfa.org

(Washington, D.C.- March 11) A variety of conference event, service and item sponsorships are now available exclusively for exhibitors at the 2010 International Dairy Show, set to take place September 13 - 15, 2010, at the Dallas Convention Center.

The 2010 International Dairy Show, presented by the International Dairy Foods Association, will feature the newest innovations in technology, packaging, ingredients and services for dairy foods processors. Educational sessions will offer solutions that span the entire manufacturing process, and attendees will have the opportunity to visit exhibits displaying everything dairy companies need to run more efficiently, create new products and improve profitability. The International Dairy Show can be found online at www.dairyshow.com.

"Sponsorships are a great way for exhibitors to get their names in front of attendees and attract prospects to their booths, regardless of budget," said Robin Cornelison, trade show manager for IDFA. "We have several different opportunities to fit the needs of every company, including the option for exhibitors to customize their own receptions to reach their target audiences."

In addition to the recognition benefits unique to each opportunity, sponsors will also receive:

• complimentary conference registrations (amount varies per sponsorship);
• acknowledgement in the Program & Exhibit Guide, the Show Daily News and sponsor "thank you" signage on-site;
• recognition alongside the event/service listing when promoted in official promotional print pieces or in electronic communications;
• placement of the sponsor's logo with a link to its corporate Web site on the International Dairy Show Sponsor page; and
• the right of first refusal to renew sponsorship for the 2011 International Dairy Show.

Sponsorships available to exhibitors include receptions, educational sessions, lanyards, conference bags and more.

For more information on all of the sponsorships available, visit www.dairyshow.com or contact Cornelison at rcornelison@idfa.org.

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies representing a $110-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's 220 dairy processing members run more than 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.

With the drumbeat on obesity growing ever louder, the food industry often appears to be under siege by people with idealistic agendas about food, explained Connie Tipton in her latest Cheese Market News column. "Okay, maybe it would be nice if we all had the time and place to grow our own food or were able to buy only from our local farmers, but that's not realistic," she said. Instead, Tipton calls industry partners to work together with First Lady Michelle Obama on the "Let's Move" initiative and provide practical actions for fighting obesity while protecting the healthful image of dairy products.

Read the full column here.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack marked National School Breakfast Week this week by calling for increased participation in the School Breakfast Program to help improve the health and nutrition of children throughout the country. The Obama administration is asking Congress, as part of the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, to increase the reimbursement rate for school breakfasts and to allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to supply the program with purchased commodity products. These actions likely would increase demand for milk and other dairy products as the breakfast program expands.

Trade tensions increased between Brazil and the United States on Monday when the Brazilian government unveiled plans to retaliate against U.S. cotton subsidies by increasing tariffs on select U.S. imports, including dairy. The plan, which will likely take effect within a month unless the governments reach an agreement, strategically targets more than 50 U.S. products, including milk powder with less than 1.5 percent fat, whey powder and protein concentrates.

Without a compromise, tariffs for milk and whey powder would raise to 48 percent, a 45-percent increase over current levels. Tariffs for protein concentrates would increase to 34 percent, marking a 41-percent increase.

IDFA and other industry groups have formed the Brazil Trade Action Coalition in an effort to encourage U.S. officials to solve the dispute without harming third-party industries. The coalition has sent letters to Congressional leadership asking for a swift compromise.

The dispute began in 2002, when Brazil initiated a World Trade Organization case against provisions in the U.S. cotton program. The United States made changes to comply with the WTO findings, but Brazil continued to challenge U.S. actions. Last August, the WTO authorized Brazil to suspend trade concessions for the United States or impose trade sanctions equivalent to the damage caused by cotton subsidies. Brazil threatened in November to retaliate with excessive tariffs, but waited until this week to set an implementation deadline.

Dairy exports to Brazil have grown exponentially since 2004, reaching more than $24 million in 2008. The proposed retaliatory tariffs would affect more than $5 million worth of U.S. milk proteins exported to Brazil, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture figures for 2009.

For more information, contact Katie Sparrow, IDFA manager of international affairs, at ksparrow@idfa.org or (202) 220-3507.

• List of products and tariffs released March 8 by Brazil.

Marking her one-year anniversary as CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program this month, Vivien Godfrey told DairyLine listeners that one of her most important accomplishments has been making sure that MilkPEP works closely with producer organizations to align activities and messages. "The single objective of MilkPEP is to encourage American consumers to drink more milk," Godfrey said, and that effort includes coordinating with Dairy Management Inc. and the National Dairy Council.

DairyLine is heard on more than 90 radio stations, and IDFA regularly provides producers with a processor perspective on key industry issues. Godfrey's complete remarks are available here.

Efficiency, strategy and skill will be the focus of this year's IDFA Dairy Cost Accounting Workshop, May 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency in Rosemont, Ill. The workshop is designed to offer everything a dairy accountant needs to know to add value and multiply earnings without dividing profits or subtracting quality.

Topics will include milk pricing, tax credits, cost segregation, federal and state milk reports, cost centers and measuring plant efficiency. Continuing Professional Education Credits (CPE) will be awarded upon completion. Visit Dairy Cost Accounting Workshop for more details, hotel discounts and to register.

IDFA's regulatory staff works tirelessly on food safety issues on behalf of members, often serving in national leadership positions for a variety of organizations. In an effort to balance responsibilities and representation, IDFA has asked Allen Sayler, IDFA vice president, to represent the association on the Executive Board of the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shippers (NCIMS), which establishes operational requirements for Grade "A" dairy plants and farms. Cary Frye, IDFA vice president, will remain chair of the NCIMS Program Committee.

The NCIMS meets every other year to consider proposals from federal, state and local regulatory agencies, as well as producers, processors and consumers, to ensure the continued safety of Grade "A" dairy products.

The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it recently sent warning letters regarding labeling issues to 17 food companies. FDA also released a letter to the food industry urging all companies to adhere to current regulations on trans fat claims, labeling of foods for children and health claims. In this letter, FDA announced plans to release draft guidance on the use of dietary statements, such as "3-A-Day of Dairy."

"In my conversations with industry leaders, I sense a strong desire within the industry for a level playing field and a commitment to producing safe, healthy products," said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg in her letter to industry. "That reinforces my belief that FDA should provide as clear and consistent guidance as possible about food labeling claims and nutrition information in general, and specifically about how the growing use of front-of-pack calorie and nutrient information can best help consumers construct healthy diets."

According to the warning letters, FDA considers a label statement such as "0 g trans fat" to be a nutrient content claim. These claims may need to be accompanied by a disclosure statement, such as "see side panel for fat content," if the labeled product is high in fat, saturated fat, sodium or cholesterol.

FDA cautioned some companies to make only approved health claims for foods and to avoid using claims that purport to "treat, prevent or cure disease," which are reserved for drug labels. Juice manufacturers were warned that juice products containing a blend of juices or other ingredients must be clearly labeled as such.

The agency also discussed products for children under the age of two, which must be labeled appropriately for the age group and may include only a few specific nutrient content claims. Additionally, products that are branded, trademarked or labeled with the term "healthy" must meet the definition for the healthy claim.

IDFA urges all members to review the letters and consider whether any changes may be necessary on their labels.

• Open Letter to Industry from Dr. Hamburg
• Warning Letters

Members with questions may contact Michelle Matto, assistant director for nutrition and regulatory affairs, at (202) 220-3523 or mmatto@idfa.org.

First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. this week to highlight her newly launched "Let's Move" initiative to fight childhood obesity. IDFA Vice President Ruth Saunders, also on the program, applauded the initiative and outlined several key ways that the dairy industry can provide support.

Speaking before an audience of more than 750 attendees, the First Lady acknowledged that "most people don't know how the cafeteria is one of the most important classrooms in the school." She urged them to rally the country around the goal of helping today's kids to reach a healthy weight by the time they become adults. (Photo courtesy of Rick Brady/©School Nutrition Association.)

Saunders followed the First Lady's remarks and began her presentation by highlighting the Milk Processor Education Program's latest ad, which ran in three major newspapers on Monday. With the headline, "Let's raise a glass of milk to Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Program," the ad agreed that small changes, like drinking fat-free milk, can make a positive difference in child's diet.

She then mentioned the important strides in research and development and new product reformulations that the dairy industry has made recently. These reformulations, she explained, will allow schools to serve a variety of healthy, nutrient-rich products with fewer calories and reduced fat levels. While noting that flavored milk has been formulated with fewer calories, Saunders highlighted the milk industry's commitment to the voluntary beverage standards put forth by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

She also discussed how cheese companies working with school districts and other food suppliers have reformulated popular school entrees, like cheese pizza, to incorporate whole wheat crusts, reduced-sodium sauces and reduced-fat cheeses. Although the reformulated products may cost more than traditional formulations, Saunders explained that kids easily accepted the healthier choices and the schools noticed an increase in school lunch participation rates.

For more information, contact Saunders at rsaunders@idfa.org. Read her full remarks here.

The Milk Processor Education Program unveiled a new ad this week to applaud Michelle Obama's new initiative, "Let's Move," which aims to solve childhood obesity within a generation. MilkPEP joined with the National Dairy Council and its "Fuel Up to Play 60" program with the National Football League, as well as with the School Nutrition Association, to create the full-page ad saluting the First Lady and reinforcing milk's role in helping kids maintain a healthy weight.

The ad, featured below, appeared Monday in "USA Today," "The New York Times" and "The Washington Post."

Contact: Jeannette Roeder
(202) 220-3562
jroeder@idfa.org

(Washington, D.C.-March 5) Exhibitors at the 2010 International Dairy Show can now generate more pre-show excitement around their booth by upgrading to the silver or gold listing on the show website, www.dairyshow.com. The upgraded listings give exhibitors the capability to upload press releases, post product information with images and take advantage of an expanded print listing in the Program & Exhibit Guide. The International Dairy Show will be held September 13-15, 2010, at the Dallas Convention Center.

The 2010 International Dairy Show, presented by the International Dairy Foods Association, is offering exhibitors a variety of tools to connect with and engage attendees. For example, by upgrading their listing to silver or gold, exhibiting companies will have expanded exposure on ChirpE, a mobile application from a2z, Inc. Attendees can use ChirpE for free on any major smartphone to search for products, exhibitors and view the interactive floor plan. It also offers integration with social media applications Twitter and LinkedIn. In addition, IDFA will be able to use ChirpE to disseminate information to attendees during the three day event.

"We are always looking for more efficient and cost effective ways for exhibitors to brand their presence at the show," said Robin Cornelison, trade show manager for IDFA. "We hope these new upgrades, mobile applications and integration with social media will allow attendees and exhibitors to connect in many ways."

The features of the silver and gold upgrades include:

Silver Listing - $150

• Company Logo - Add a company logo to your online exhibitor profile.

• Press Releases - Post up to two press releases to your online exhibitor profile.

• Product Information - Post up to two products with images to your online exhibitor profile.

• Show Specials - Post up to two show specials to your online exhibitor profile.

• Online Welcome Message - Expand your welcome message to 100 characters.

• Expanded Print Profile - Increase your company description in the on-site Program & Exhibit Guide by 500 characters or approximately 75 words.

• Expanded Online Profile - Increase the company description in your online profile by 500 characters or approximately 75 words.

Gold Listing - $350

• Printed Company Logo - Include your company logo with your booth listing in the on-site Program & Exhibit Guide.

• "Upgraded Exhibitors" on Exhibitor Listing Pages Online - Get recognized first by having your listing appear at the top of the Exhibitor List online.

• Press Releases - Post up to five press releases to your online exhibitor profile.

• Expanded Product Information - Post up to five products with images to your online exhibitor profile.

• Expanded Show Specials - Post up to five show specials to your online exhibitor profile.

• Online Welcome Message - Expand your welcome message to 150 characters.

• Expanded Online Profile - Increase the company description in your online profile by 1000 characters or approximately 150 words.

For more information on exhibitor upgrades, visit www.dairyshow.com or contact Cornelison at rcornelison@idfa.org.

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The inaugural International Dairy Show is expected to attract more than 350 exhibitors displaying the newest innovations in technology, packaging, ingredients and services for dairy food processors. Attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits, offering everything dairy companies need to run more efficiently, create new products and improve profitability. Educational sessions will offer solutions that span the entire manufacturing process. The International Dairy Show can be found online at www.dairyshow.com.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies representing a $110-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's 220 dairy processing members run more than 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration clarified in January the labeling rules for high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). According to a letter written by Felicia Billingslea, director of Food Labeling and Standards in FDA's Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, the presence of high fructose corn syrup may be declared by the use of the term "corn syrup," because HFCS is a sub-category of corn syrup. The letter is available here.

Although HFCS could alternatively be labeled "glucose syrup," FDA believes that "corn syrup" is the more appropriate labeling term. Members with any questions may contact Michelle Matto, IDFA assistant director of nutrition and labeling, at mmatto@idfa.org.

Contact: Marti Pupillo
(202) 220-3535
mpupillo@idfa.org

(Washington, D.C. - March 5) Supply shortages, the use of corn sweeteners and Mexican market factors were just a few of the topics covered at this year's International Sweetener Colloquium, February 21-24 at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Fla. With record-breaking attendance, the 2010 Sweetener Colloquium drew nearly 400 industry professionals, making it the largest annual gathering in almost a decade.

Hosted by the International Dairy Foods Association and the Sweetener Users Association, the event addressed the sweetener industry's latest challenges, obstacles and opportunities with presentations from a wide range of speakers, including government officials, industry executives, journalists and academics.

The keynote speaker was Jim Miller, under secretary of agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who discussed supply and demand issues currently facing the sweetener sector. In the face of unusually tight markets for refined sugar, Miller said U.S. officials would keep the interests of both producers and users in mind. They also will work to ensure that key provisions of the Farm Bill are enforced, he added.

Other topics included the carbon footprint of the sweetener sector, U.S. and international market outlooks, and industry relations with Mexico.

"We were extremely please with both the turnout and substance for this year's Colloquium," said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president. "This annual meeting remains one of the most critical events for the sweetener industry, and we see that trend continuing for many years to come."

IDFA, SUA Thank Sponsors

IDFA and SUA would like to thank this year's sponsors: Amalgamated Sugar, Corn Products, CSC Sugar, Domino Sugar, ICE Futures, Imperial Sugar, Jenkins Sugar Group, Sweetener Supply Corporation, and UNICA. More information about these companies is available at www.idfa.org.

The 2011 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held February 13-16 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif. For more information, contact Katie Sparrow, IDFA manager of international affairs at 202-220-3507 or ksparrow@idfa.org.

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies representing a $110-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI), and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's 220 dairy processing members run more than 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85% of the milk, cultured products, cheese and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration has just released the electronic version of the 2009 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which contains the changes from the April 2009 National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) Conference. IDFA and Milk Industry Foundation members successfully advocated for many of the changes, which directly affect state inspection of Grade A dairy plants and farms, providing more flexibility for dairy processors.

The most significant change is a new definition for Grade "A" milk products, which will be fully implemented by October 2010. Download the PMO here.

IDFA is also making available a free CD that includes the 2009 PMO as well as the 2009 Methods, 2009 Procedures and more than 300 FDA memos that interpret the PMO and other NCIMS documents. Members can request a copy by contacting Brian Fields, IDFA regulatory affairs assistant, at bfields@idfa.org or (202)-220-3566.

Members with questions related to the NCIMS documents may contact Allen Sayler, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards, at asayler@idfa.org.

Jay Jaskiewicz, previously director of dairy manufacturing for Publix Super Markets, Inc., has stepped down as chairman of the International Ice Cream Association. "We will miss Jay's steady leadership, but hope to see him get involved with the Milk Industry Foundation once he gets settled at Upstate Niagara," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. Jaskiewicz is now director of operations for Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

Brian Perry, executive vice president/vice chairman of Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc. and IICA vice chairman, has agreed to serve the balance of Jaskiewicz's term.