We need everyone to think about moving dairy forward.
With that in mind, I invite you to share your ideas and discuss insights at The Dairy Experience, co-hosted by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Midwest Dairy. The two-day forum delves into why change is happening and how it applies to the dairy industry. Attendees will hear from leaders — both from within the industry and beyond — who are translating consumer insights and data into the development of innovative products and programs.
New shoppers, new habits
Attendees will learn about disruptive, forward-thinking trends and how the industry can collaborate to build dairy demand nationwide and globally.
For example, Generation Z spends five or more hours every day online. Most of us think about buying dairy foods at the grocery store. With $44 billion in purchasing power and nearly 50 percent of 18- to 21-year-olds participating in their household’s grocery shopping, this generation will drive online food sales.
At the forum, a panel of experts who direct e-commerce for brands like Target, Woodman’s, and Kowalski's will share how companies use creative approaches to capitalize on this emerging grocery trend and remain relevant with Generation Z.
The more ideas, the better.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is co-sponsoring the forum to engage a bigger footprint of the dairy community. This forum builds upon what Dairy Management Inc. is doing nationally with initiatives like the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
Who should attend?
If you are reading this, it is likely you have a strong interest in dairy’s success. Farmers, industry, academia, cheesemakers, marketers, experts from research institutions, food companies, retailers and processors, cooperatives, and anyone else interested in building trust and growing dairy demand would find the forum definitely worth their time.
If you attend one conference this year, this is the one to attend.
Former USDA Secretary of Agriculture and current U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack will address ways dairy can better meet the needs and preferences of international consumers. Innovation expert and former Google executive Steve Lerch will highlight how digital changes are impacting food and health decisions. Plus, attendees will break into small interactive groups to discuss insights and how to use the information to advance the dairy industry.
The opportunity to grow dairy sales is now
Consumer trust of brands affects purchase decisions. Based on our research, trust in the dairy industry and dairy farmers remains high. Consumers trust dairy farmers to provide nutritious, safe products, care for the environment, and practice humane animal treatment.
Dairy needs to build on the momentum. Overall dairy consumption has grown 16 percent over the past 35 years, driven by greater consumption of cheese, yogurt, and butter.
I will be at the forum and hope many dairy farmers and members of allied industry will join me. Let’s network and learn from one another. This is a unique opportunity to influence and create change, drive innovation, and work toward a successful future for dairy. We need your ideas. I hope to see you at The Dairy Experience in Saint Paul, Minn., July 16 to 18. To register for the conference, visit The Dairy Experience.
