The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) are teaming up for the second year in a row to highlight the power of dairy innovation opportunities and nutritional benefits. The 2025 Natural Products Expo West runs March 4 through 7 in Anaheim, Calif., with 65,000 attendees expected. Both dairy farmers and DMI team members will be in attendance.
This event is recognized as the country’s largest trade show for the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. “In the past, plant-based products dominated Expo West, and dairy had less presence,” said Norrie Wilson, an innovation and insights consultant for DMI. “Dairy made its mark last year, with interest in innovation, driving distribution, and investment. Retailers, consumer packaged goods companies, and investors are starting to take a second look at dairy, and this is accelerating growth in the marketplace.”
The week's planned events feature Alise Sjostrom, a Minnesota dairy farmer and CEO of Redhead Creamery, participating in DMI’s educational session and providing premium cheese samples at the trade show booth. Additionally, DMI is highlighting a company that makes low-carbohydrate, high-protein cheesecakes. Dairy farmers from DMI’s board of directors will be on-site to speak with attendees about their commitments to sustainable farming and animal care. CMAB will highlight new products, including milk-based energy shots, cheeses, kefir, and gelato.
Marla Buerk, executive vice president of innovation for DMI, notes Expo West provides an opportunity to stay informed of emerging trends where dairy can play a key role. “Expo West is where trends emerge, and by having a strong dairy presence, we’re not just following trends but setting them,” she said. “There’s growing interest in products that target women’s health. Dairy is a key player in this space, and it’s only going to grow.”
The natural and organic market is valued at a staggering $317 billion, according to Nutrition Business Journal’s 2023 State of Natural Report. Buerk said a goal of the DMI team, which will include product and nutrition scientists plus marketing experts, is to remind attendees of dairy’s natural attributes.
“Our products are made with clean ingredients and real, high-quality dairy,” Buerk said. “At the end of the day, dairy is as natural as it gets, and people appreciate that and are seeking our delicious product samples at Expo West.”
