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dairy boards across the country.
“The California Milk Advisory Board spent the better part of 2016 developing a
long-range plan, and snacking emerged as one of four key growth platforms,”
said Bob Carroll, Vice-President, Business Development, California Milk
Advisory Board, Tracy, Calif. “A common theme that surfaced from research with
consumers in the U.S., Mexico and even Asia, was the nearly universal fit of
cheese as a nutritious, portable and delicious snack.
“The category is growing behind innovations for both children and adults. Fun
forms, shapes and new packaging are attracting children; new portion packs with
other healthy and high-protein complements like dried meats and nuts add variety
for adults.”
For example, artisanal salumi manufacturer Busseto Foods Inc., Fresno, Calif.,
showcased an array of “made in California” meat and cheese packs. The
California Snackin’ pack is either meat and cheese, or meat, cheese and nuts.
There’s also a California Party Pack containing meat, cheese and nuts. The meats
are all made in the dry San Joaquin Valley using centuries-old recipes and time-
honored techniques to provide authentic aged Italian flavors. The nuts are either
almonds or pistachios, both grown in California. The cheeses are made with “Real
California Milk,” with packages sporting the seal.
“Consumers are returning to wholesome, real food,” Mr. Carroll said. “They
realize that the idea of ‘no and low-fat’ as healthy was a mistake. Cheese is an
ideal snack with no compromises.”
E-Commerce
The business development team focused its third quarter meeting almost
exclusively on e-commerce. You will see as part of our ongoing plans that CMAB
will play a crucial role in propelling the California dairy industry forward into this
rapidly changing landscape. Katelyn Harmon laid the ground work for the meeting
with substantial research into the transformation taking place across domestic and
international retail, as well as foodservice. This was undoubtedly the most
engaging and energetic team meeting in the last two years. All team members
shared their experiences and challenged each other to experience for themselves the
emerging foodservice and retail changes. These include:
•
Amazon Fresh home delivery
•
Instacart 3
rd
party grocery delivery
•
Click-and-collect with local grocers, with/without curbside service
•
Mobile ordering and 3
rd
party restaurant delivery
•
Blue Apron / Hello Fresh home meal kit delivery
•
Dream Dinners meal preparation with friends