Dairy farmer Jason VanderKooy partners with local tulip farmers to grow the beautiful flowers that bring thousands to the Skagit Valley each April.

“Everything we do on the farm and in our processing facility revolves around sustainability and improving the environment around us,” said Jill Smith of Pure Eire Dairy in Othello. “We consider our dairy products from the ground up, which begins with building our soil quality to grow high-quality feed and pasture for our cows.  Greater feed quality leads to greater milk quality and a healthier herd of dairy cows. It’s a closed loop system and we utilize everything we produce.”

In 2008, U.S. dairy was the first agricultural sector to commission a life cycle assessment on fluid milk, which showed that dairy accounts for 2% of total GHG emissions in the U.S.

These voluntary goals align with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, and the dairy industry prioritized these focus areas of environmental sustainability as the foundation for the 2050 goals:

1. Achieve carbon neutrality or better
2. Optimize water usage while maximizing recycling
3. Improve water quality by optimizing manure management and nutrients

“Dairy farmers have invested in technology and the implementation of best practices to reduce environmental impact for decades,” said Lynne Wheeler of Coldstream Farms in Deming. “This plan outlines how committed dairy farmers are to being an environmental solution and leader in environmental stewardship. We know how important it is to be open to new research and opportunities to continuously improve the way we operate our businesses and further reduce our carbon footprint.”

Washington dairy farms already utilize many on-farm practices with focus on cow care, energy efficiency, and manure management that reduce environmental impact and help protect natural resources.

Jason VanderKooy of Harmony Dairy in Mount Vernon partners with neighboring tulip farms to provide nutrient-dense cow manure to grow the beautiful flowers that bring thousands of visitors to the Skagit Valley each April, which results in the crop farmers purchasing less commercial fertilizer. Manure from their cows, along with many food waste products that would otherwise go into a landfill, is also sent to their methane digester to produce 750 kw, which is enough power for 750 homes.

“A lot of work went into getting the farm to this point,” VanderKooy said. “My dad started with nothing 46 years ago and gave my brother and me a great opportunity. We want to see our kids succeed and they would not be interested in carrying on the tradition if the farm is run down or not taken care of. Taking care of the environment is just what farmers do and have done for generations before us.”

Source: Dairy Farmers of Washington

Ritterbush, a CPG industry veteran, has a proven track record of successfully leading food and beverage brands and elevating them to new heights, most recently as president and CEO of Quest Nutrition. He guided the company to a $1 billion acquisition last year by The Simply Good Foods Co. He has also served as CEO of the better-for-you snack company popchips, and helmed Premier Nutrition Corp., maker of Premier Protein and Power Bar. Additionally, Ritterbush served as a vice president and general manager of Red Bull North America and had a long tenure at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.

“With Califia’s innovation and commitment to helping people and the planet, there is endless potential for continued growth, especially as an increasing number of consumers seek plant-based options,” said Ritterbush. “I look forward to building on Greg’s vision and continuing the company’s commitment to innovation. Having Greg on the board will allow us to tap into his deep knowledge and passion, which will be invaluable.”

Steltenpohl founded Odwalla Juice Company before launching Califia Farms in 2010. Under his direction, the company experienced meteoric growth and became a leader in premium, plant-based beverages.

“I am super proud of what we’ve accomplished at Califia since we launched the brand 10 years ago. Now is the perfect time in the company’s evolution for this next step,” said Steltenpohl. “We were committed to finding the right person to serve as our next CEO, and I couldn’t be more excited to hand over the reins to such a talented and well-respected leader. With his deep experience in CPG and nutrition, Dave is the ideal person to continue taking the company forward as a leader in the plant-based food and beverage space.”

The burgeoning plant-based food and beverage category is currently valued at $5 billion and is growing five times the rate of total food salesi. In January 2020, Califia announced a $225 million Series D financing to fuel its innovation and growth. Califia expanded its successful plant-based milk portfolio by introducing a new oat platform in 2019. The company recently added Plant Butters to its leading portfolio of plant-based milks, creamers, yogurts and cold brew coffees.

Source: Califia Farms

Take Two Barleymilk raises the bar for what plant-based milk can and should bring to the table, adhering to the highest standards when it comes to taste, nutrition, and sustainability. The Barleymilk boasts flavor and performance comparable to dairy milk and is crafted with the highest-quality ingredients. It contains complete protein, fiber, calcium, and good fats, and it has 50% less sugar than other flavored plant-based milks.

Why barley? Barley is an ancient grain and a superfood with countless health benefits. Rejuvenated barley comes from spent grain, the byproduct of the beer brewing process. Billions of pounds of spent grain are produced each year by the global beer industry. Instead of going to waste or being used to feed livestock, this grain can be upcycled into a powerhouse, nutrient-rich plant-based protein: rejuvenated barley. Take Two uses the rejuvenated barley in their Barleymilk, for less waste and a healthier planet.

“Our commitment is to craft the world’s most remarkable plant-based foods made with the highest-quality ingredients, while championing the planet’s resources. Food that tastes amazing and truly nourishes, without the environmental impact,” says Co-Founder & CEO Sarah Pool.

Take Two Barleymilk’s creamy, smooth, and rich finish is perfect for crafting barista-quality beverages, using in savory and sweet recipes, and drinking by the glassful. Says Co-Founder & COO Matt Olsofsky: “We wanted to bring back the joy and nostalgia of drinking a glass of milk. Our Barleymilk does just that.”

Source: Take Two Foods

1. Nutritional benefits

The wellness movement continues to remain trendy, with the majority of brands going back to basics in terms of health. Imbibe predicts how an emphasis on physical and emotional health means that brands will integrate essential nutrients into drinks, such as vitamins and minerals. In addition, Fizziology writes how Gen Z and millennials appreciate “cool” branding with a lower sugar content. Instead, superfruits, vegetables, and herbal-infused drinks will be all the rage.

Alcohol consumption is also on the way down, as members of the public are growing more aware of the dangers of alcoholism. As a result, more low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks are in the process of being developed. When it comes to your brand, ensuring that you gear your marketing towards these trends is key. Minimal designs with a focus on cleanliness and purity, as well as a written emphasis on the health benefits of certain ingredients, will go a long way towards projecting an image of wholesomeness.

2. Exotic flavors

In line with the reduction of overly sweetened drinks, brands are focusing on more high-quality offerings with unique ingredients. Botanical extracts will create novel flavor combinations, such as extracts from basil, cilantro, lavender, elderflower, and orange peel. In addition, bolder flavors from Latin America like guava, chili pepper, and cayenne are becoming more rampant.

This coming year, it’s a toss-up between subtle and sophisticated flavors and ones that are more power-packed in terms of flavor. If you choose to integrate exotic ingredients into your drinks, ensure that your packaging and marketing strategy reflects this. Go with bolder, brighter colors, and vibrant graphics that really pack a punch. Uniquely shaped bottles and cans can also attract more attention, as will ones that are made of eco-friendly ingredients. Also, it is important to avoid using single-use plastics.

3. CBD-infused drinks

According to an article on the cannabis industry by Forbes, “large beverage companies have been among the first movers in developing THC and CBD infused drinks”. Currently, CBD infused beverages include anything from flavored waters by Vybes, cider from Tarukino, tea from Green Roads, lemonade by Honeydrop, and coffee from Eximius Coffee.

However, the legal status of these products is still under debate by the FDA and might become more strictly regulated in the near future. Because of this, integrating these substances into your beverages may be a somewhat risky move, even though it’s certainly trending at the moment. When it comes to including these substances in your drinks, you should ensure that they are clearly labeled and strictly abide by the latest regulations.

Your packaging should also reflect these ingredients, perhaps depicting nature-inspired imagery to appeal to your target market. What’s interesting is that it isn’t just Millennials and Gen Z who seek mood-altering products, but also the elderly who are looking for ways to destress or relieve pain.

4. Functional ingredients

Functional ingredients are becoming even more popular due to recent developments in technology. Adding probiotics to yogurt drinks and fortifying juices with calcium doesn’t interfere with how they taste, even though they come with added benefits. A recent consumer study by Kerry found that 65% of consumers prioritized functional benefits from their food and drink, with the top five ingredients viewed to deliver benefits such as omega-3s, green tea, honey, coffee, and probiotics. Not only do customers prioritize good taste, smell, and packaging, but they care more about feeling good about themselves and preventing disease.

For instance, Jade Leaf Matcha based in Seattle is offering new formulations of the popular matcha latte drink. They have the “Balance” variety, which includes probiotics, prebiotics, and ginger root to support digestive and immune health as well as “Glow”, which contains collagen and biotin that lead to healthy skin, and stronger hair and nails. From this, making solid links between ingredients and their benefits will entice customers to purchase your beverages.

5. Alternative dairy products

Lastly, dairy has always been a popular standby in the beverage market. While alternative forms of dairy were initially popularized to meet diet or allergy issues, the market for this is now growing exceedingly fast. Oat, almond, hem, and soy milk are already extremely high in demand, and the development of alternative milk and yogurt products that have better nutritional properties is sure to become another priority throughout 2020.

Probiotics in particular act as a useful tool for cardiovascular health, weight management, blood sugar maintenance, and bone health. Drinkable yogurt products also contain less sugar and provide a tart flavor that is being more accepted due to globalization.

To stay competitive in the ever-developing beverage industry, it’s always a good idea to ensure that you’re constantly generating new ideas and responding to new trends in the market as soon as they appear. With good reason, 2020 seems to be a year dedicated to preserving and maintaining one’s health. Incorporating healthy ingredients, unique flavors, reducing sugar, and finding ways to cater to everyone’s needs is crucial if you want to stay competitive in this industry.

In line with this, being fully transparent with your marketing campaigns, nutrition information, and using eco-friendly packaging will also go a long way towards ensuring your brand’s longevity and success. Lastly, old trends such as ready-to-consume cold brews, lattes, and cold-pressed juices are still standbys in today’s industry, along with affordability in today’s volatile situation.

The new investor group will take a minority stake in Califia Farms, with representatives from QIA, Temasek, and Claridge joining the Board of Califia, alongside founder Greg Steltenpohl and existing investors Sun Pacific, Stripes and Ambrosia.

Demand for plant-based beverages is exploding worldwide as consumers seek healthier, great-tasting dairy alternatives. This latest funding round will help Califia Farms build on the success of its oat platform and launch other lines. Proceeds will also allow Califia to further invest in increased production capacity, substantial R&D, deeper U.S. penetration, and continued global expansion.

Inspired by the legendary Queen Califia, namesake of the state of California, Califia Farms was founded in 2010 and has become one of the fastest-growing natural food and beverage companies of scale in the U.S. and select international markets. Califia is on a mission to discover and share ‘what plants can do’ to help people transform their health and adopt a lower carbon ‘foodprint’1.

Califia is looking forward to working with a more global investor base, as the company continues to grow and fulfill its mission. “The more than $1 trillion global dairy and ready-to-drink coffee industry is ripe for continued disruption, with individuals all over the world seeking to transform their health & wellness through the adoption of minimally processed and nutrient rich foods that are better for both the planet and the animals,” said Greg Steltenpohl, Califia’s Founder and CEO. “Califia’s role is to help plant the future.”

“Speed to market is critical for companies at our stage and we are thrilled that our new partners share our vision to be the leading independent brand in the plant-based sector. Each of our partners brings significant resources and global expertise to accelerate our next stage of our growth,” he added.

Barclays acted as exclusive financial advisor and sole placement agent to Califia Farms on the capital raise, and Akin Gump served as legal counsel.

Source: Califia Farms

Leveraging decades of expertise in the transformation of milk, the company was able to fine-tune a unique manufacturing process allowing them to dry blends of milk and live cultures, keeping the cultures alive throughout the process and into the finished powder.

The resulting range of premium fermented powders (yogurt powder, quark powder and fermented milk powder) is the perfect fit for new developments carrying the healthful halo of yogurt, delivering the same live cultures and nutrition as their traditional counterparts but without some of the hurdles of fresh yogurt. They are also naturally perfectly adapted to regions where harsh climate conditions might hinder milk production or pose a challenge when it comes to preserving fresh milk or refrigerated products.

“With our EPILAC fermented powders, we can support manufacturers in the development of products designed to cater to consumers who are always pressed for time and looking for convenient, “on-the-go” snack options that are both healthy and indulgent!”, explains Mathieu Lucot, Marketing Manager at Epi Ingredients. “And this new Kosher certification opens up new markets for our yogurt & fermented powders, notably in the US and some European countries” he adds.

Every year, the company develops new on-trend concepts designed to inspire manufacturers while showcasing the unique characteristics of their ingredients. After the launch of a first concept, award-winning SoFlexi, featuring its yogurt powder in 2017, Epi Ingredients decided to work with its fermented powders again and is currently putting the finishing touches on a new revolutionary concept which will be unveiled later this year at Food Ingredients Europe and takes on a new dimension in light of the recent Kosher certification. Stay tuned!

Source: EPI Ingredients

“fairlife is dedicated to providing people throughout the world with vitality & wellness and works to achieve this mission through innovative and highly nutritious dairy products that come from pioneering, sustainable farms,” said Sue McCloskey, dairy farmer and co-founder of fairlife, LLC. “The future of a healthy population and planet is based on sustainably produced nutrition for all and that’s why we’re making a firm commitment to allocate additional resources to support the noble efforts of groups working hard to enrich the lives and food systems in their community’s underserved areas.”

The eight cities for the 2019 Grant Program and their allocated application periods are:

• Atlanta, Georgia: February 1 – March 2
• Los Angeles, California: March 10 – April 9
• Memphis, Tennessee: April 18 – May 18
• Houston, Texas: May 19 – June 19
• Detroit, Michigan: June 26 – July 27
• Miami, Florida: August 4 – September 4
• New Orleans, Louisiana: September 11 – October 12
• Chicago, Illinois: October 13 – November 13

Organizations located in and supporting the greater metropolitan areas of the selected cities are encouraged to visit fairlifegrant.com and apply for the grant program during the assigned application period. Following the application deadline of each city, a rigorous review of entries will be done by a fairlife panel of judges whose goal is to identify the finalists that best qualified. The five (5) winners in each city will be notified and awarded $2,500 each.

Source: fairlife, LLC

The are several beverages out there that can help you quell the struggles you encounter while you are sleeping. Check them out here.

Sleeping is our body’s mechanism to recover and rejuvenate itself. The right amount of sleep can ensure that our waking hours are fully energized and healthy.

Of course, sleep deprivation is not a new thing to us anymore. There’s a high chance that you have experienced it already. Sleeping struggles is very apparent these days, as factors like stress are getting rampant.

However, don’t fret yet. Didn’t you know that some drinks can flush away all the things that prevent from a good night sleep? If there are fluids that are good for energizing your system–such as caffeine and energy drinks–there are also those that can help you sleep.

Here are the top 5 beverages to drink for fantastic sleep every night!

Milk

It is not an accident why our parents used to let us drink a glass of milk before bedtime. Aside from nourishment that you can get from it, milk is a necessary element for those who are struggling to sleep.

Milk has specific properties that improve the quality of your evening rest. Specifically, it is the amino acid called L-tryptophan that do the trick. When there is a high level of L-tryptophan in your body, the production of serotonin and melatonin increases as well.

Serotonin is a hormone that governs the mood and sleeping cycle of a person. On the other hand, the hormone melatonin shares a similar function as well–but it is more related to the sleep-wake cycle.

Valerian Tea

The Valerian tea is one of the most potent option for a person to sleep correctly. The root of the plant has been a common ingredient for various cultures and regions because of its natural sedatives. It is used for relieving stress and anxiety.

Just like what I have mentioned, stress is one of the apparent reasons why many people experience sleep deprivation. If you deem that you are a victim of stress as well and that you are struggling to sleep, drink Valerian tea. Trust me. It will remove all the burdens in your body.

It is also notable that the tea, right now, is being used for a variety of sleep disorders. People with insomnia are suggested to drink this tea before their bedtime.

Warm Cocoa

Even if it is not evening yet, one cannot deny that drinking cocoa or chocolate is truly sedating and comforting. Drinking this concoction while it is hot can induce a certain feeling of calm and relaxation. Retiring from a stressful day with warm cocoa is indeed fascinating.

People who sip cocoa tend to sleep faster than those who don’t. In ancient times, several civilizations used cocoa to their advantage. It has a great relaxing effect, which is suited for those who are quite physically beaten during the daytime.

Coconut Water

It is true that coconut water is an unlikely candidate for the best sleep-inducing drink. Nobody would even dare recommend this beverage at all! However, one should know that coconut water is not only for the tropical season. Right from the get-go, it is already an excellent remedy for sleep deprivation.

Natural coconut water (those that have not been processed) contain raw ingredients that can elevate the quality of your sleep. Take into account that this particular liquid contains potassium and magnesium that help in muscle relaxation.

Coconut water can also relieve your stress as well. After all, it is rich with vitamin B. The more vitamin B you have, the fewer the cortisol in your body.

Cherry Juice

Well, we have a lot of surprising candidates on this list. The last one that I’ll feature is cherry juice. If you drink a pure cherry juice, the chances of you sleeping well increases. It can also eliminate the symptoms of insomnia, which is a perfect thing.

The reason for this is not yet conclusive for now. However, it has been suggested that the high levels of melatonin in cherry juice is the one that causes is sedating effect. Just like I said, melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle of a person.

Wrapping it Up

Being able to sleep peacefully at night is an achievable feat. You have to make sure that all the essential elements are present for you to be able to rest comfortably.

Aside from these beverages, one should also be compelled to improve the conduciveness of their sleeping environment. These drinks would be useless if there are many distractions in your bedroom.

Ergonomic pillows, such as those pillow support for headaches, are an essential part of your room. Of course, you should not forget your mattress as well. These things will further amplify the calmness and relaxing ambiance of your sleeping place.

That’s it for now. For your questions and suggestions, drop them in the comment section below.

“For several years now, Epi Ingredients has been working on developing solutions able to address these concerns while meeting consumers’ expectations, even in markets where the fresh milk supply may be limited, or where preserving the integrity of fresh raw milk can be challenging”, explains Mathieu Lucot, Marketing Manager at Epi Ingredients. “This is why, this year at Gulfood Manufacturing, we are proud to be presenting our latest finished product concept, SoBenefik, a high-protein yogurt produced exclusively using high-quality ultra-filtered dairy powders, cultures and water”, he adds.

SoBenefik is a protein-packed yogurt containing 8% protein, live cultures and a rich, extra-creamy texture while being low-fat. This is made possible by the use of Epiprot 60 UL, a native milk protein concentrate produced directly from fresh milk through an ultra-low heat process allowing for minimal denaturation and optimal functional & nutritional properties. Not only does SoBenefik address local consumers’ new concerns for health and wellness but it is also perfectly adapted to local constraints thanks to being formulated with powders only, thereby reducing logistical hurdles.

Beyond high-protein yogurt, Epiprot 60 UL is easy to use and can be incorporated into a wide range of applications such as cheese, other types of yogurt, quark, beverages, nutritional products and more. Thanks to its unique manufacturing processing, it offers superior gelling, emulsifying and water retention capabilities, a nutritional profile high in native calcium as well as the unique ability to provide enhanced creaminess and a rich mouthfeel in low-fat, high-protein applications. Discover what protein Epiprot 60 UL can do for your new product developments by tasting SoBenefik at the show!

The development of SoBenefik, featured on Business France’s Innovation Corner (booth S1-C65) was prompted by the massive success last year of Epi Ingredients’ first ever finish product concept, SoFlexi.

Designed to illustrate the unique features of Epi Ingredients’ offering, these finish product concepts were never intended to be sold as such and were developed only to drive innovation by helping food, beverage and nutrition manufacturers visualize what they can do with the company’s ingredients.

“SoFlexi will also be featured at Gulfood Manufacturing 2018 as its shelf-stable format is perfectly adapted to the Middle Eastern market”, states M. Lucot. It is indeed a powdered mix that allows consumers to create fresh yogurt-tasting snacks containing live cultures in seconds. SoFlexi combines convenience and versatility while offering the nutritional properties of a traditional yogurt without the downside of being perishable, thus catering to modern consumers who are always pressed for time and seeking “on-the-go” snacks that combine indulgence and nutritional balance.

SoFlexi, which features one of the company’s EPILAC premium fermented powders, is also a way for Epi Ingredients to remind visitors of its expertise in the field of fermented powders. The company has the very unique capability to be able to dry blends of milk and live cultures, keeping them alive throughout the process and into the finished powder, thus possibly contributing to balancing the gut flora and strengthening the immune system, health benefits sought after by Middle Eastern consumers.

Lastly, Epi Ingredients will also showcase its range of concentrated aromatic products (EMDI) at the show. These ingredients are 100% natural flavors (modified dairy ingredients) derived from fresh dairy products and that contain no additives, no texturing agents and no preservatives. They are designed to help increase the creamy flavor as well as overall body and smoothness in a broad range of applications without adding any fat, thereby making them an asset in formulating indulgent yet healthy products.

Source: EPI Ingredients

“ESI Nutrition is aiming at becoming an international leader in supplying quality pre-packaged solutions for all areas of the health and nutrition market, from infant to clinical and everything in between; offering a blank canvas for brands who wish to successfully launch new products under their own brand, with reduced time-to-market”, explains Mathieu Lucot, marketing manager at Epi Ingredients and newly appointed marketing manager at ESI Nutrition.

“The creation of this new division is a commitment to better serve our customers, so they can in turn better serve the end consumer; ultimately strengthening our position in the global nutrition market”, he adds.

With a production site dedicated to UHT processing and aseptic filling as well as the new, recently inaugurated, state-of-the-art drying tower with canning capabilities, both following a GMP Pharma approach, ESI Nutrition can offer safe products in a variety of shelf-stable formats and sizes with high quality packaging. This long shelf-life component is increasingly important as more and more consumers are seeking tasty on-the-go options to enhance their daily nutrition and that of their whole family.

ESI Nutrition is committed to helping brands develop Safe, Easy-to-use, Tasty and Healthy nutrition products; and it has the resources to do so. With their formulation and process expertise as well as second to none project management skills, the division’s dedicated team is here to help customers gain an edge in a highly competitive market. The team attended the world’s private label tradeshow, PLMA, in Amsterdam May 29-30th where the company exhibited.

ESI Nutrition showcased its extensive offering of both liquid and dry solutions packaged for retail through several finished products concepts such as a chocolate-flavored pudding targeting the diet nutrition market, a coffee-flavored beverage for clinical nutrition applications, a variety of infant formula in powder and more. These concepts draw a lot of attention and the company is happy to report that many interesting projects are now underway thanks to this initial contact made at the show.

Covering all areas of the health and nutrition sector, from infant formulas to adult nutrition and specialized medical nutrition products, here is a snapshot of ESI Nutrition’s offering:

• Cans of Stage 1 to Stage 3 infant formula (standard & premium);
• Pre-packaged liquid milk for infant and expecting mothers, formulated to meet the specific needs of each targeted demographic;
• Food for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) such as pediatric drinks, gelled water for dysphagia patients, etc.;
• Baby food products such as UHT yogurt-like desserts and puddings;
• Enriched milk powders, high protein/calorie drinks and puddings customized to the specific needs of adult nutrition (diabetic, undernourished, recovering);
• Diet nutrition products such as high protein dairy beverages, puddings and soups.

The group plan to roll out the ESI nutrition brand throughout 2018, which represent a motivating challenge for all teams involved. “We are excited for this strategic milestone in the company’s efforts to carry out its mission of offering innovative and functional dairy-based sources of shared enjoyment and good health while sustainably promoting the milk of our farmer owners”, comments Lucot.

Feel free to get in touch if you want to learn more about ESI Nutrition and its full spectrum of dairy-based solutions for specialized nutrition.

Source: ESI Nutrition