Ten Memorable Quotes from the IDF World Dairy Summit 2023

 

Photo: U.S. dairy processors stocked the Dairy Bar at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2023 in Chicago. One of the innovations available for snacking came from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. New Cheddar Curd Crunchers are a shelf-stable version of the company’s popular refrigerated cheese curds. These are curds that have been freeze dried. They still look like cheese curds but now have a crunch. The product is marketed as being “perfect for hiking, fishing, camping, sporting events and road trips.” It’s 100% natural cheese and high in protein with no added sugar. A keto-friendly call out is on the front of the reclosable 2.11-ounce pouch. 

It was great to see so many Daily Dose of Dairy subscribers at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2023 that took place this week in my amazing home town of Chicago. Welcome to the many new subscribers I met at the Summit. 

The Summit’s theme--BE Dairy: Boundless Potential. Endless Possibilities—reflected the content that focused on developments in dairy science, technology, knowledge and innovation from all over the world. 

While I attended as many of the eight plenary sessions and 21 concurrent break-out sessions, it was impossible to be in more than one session at a time. From those I attended, here are 10 of the most memorable—and inspiring—quotes. 

“In the spirit of unity and collaboration, the IDF World Dairy Summit 2023 is an invitation to seize boundless potential and realize endless possibilities. This international congregation of dairy enthusiasts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders holds the key to transforming dairy’s promise into a vibrant reality. As the summit unfolds, let us immerse ourselves in the knowledge, connections and inspiration it offers, ultimately forging a united front in advancing dairy excellence across the globe.” Piercristiano Brazzale, President, International Dairy Federation 

“I think climate-smart agriculture creates an enormous opportunity. U.S. farmers want a system that is both voluntary and incentive based. We want a system that understands the market and encourages the market to recognize the contribution we’re making…This is an exciting future for dairy and for U.S. agriculture and I think providing leadership globally.” Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture

“The future of the dairy industry and our ability to remain globally competitive depends on developing the workforce of the future, cultivating the next generation of leaders and empowering and supporting diversity in leadership roles.” Michael Dykes, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Dairy Foods Association

“[We have] a lot of confidence in dairy.” (Said when referencing the more than $1 billion the company is investing into a new, state-of-the-art dairy manufacturing facility in Lubbock, Texas.) Mike Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Leprino Foods

“Since 1966, milk has been in Nestle’s portfolio…We are ready for the challenge to keep the category exciting for the next generation.” Heike Steiling, Head of Nestle Product Technology Centers-Dairy, Nestle

“For a growing number of consumers today, trust is about purposeful, mindful production and safe and affordable nutrition.” Zoe Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer, The National Dairy Council, Ireland

“In 1984, Starbucks served its first latte with whole milk…In the U.S. last year, 79% of all ‘milk’ used in Starbucks was from cows…We’re not getting away from dairy…We are committed to dairy.” Angela Anderson, Director-Sustainable Dairy, Starbucks Corp.

“Do not think of yourself as a commodity, but rather a product that is essential to everyone’s life all around the world.” Jeff McCrory, Chief Strategic Officer, Mischief, Canada 

“We nourish billions of people every day…We need to do what we do based on science. When there are gaps in the science, we need to fill them in.” Nicholas Gardner, Senior Vice President-Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs, U.S. Dairy Export Council 

“Milk is perfection…We need to be proud to be there. And we are there…There are endless possibilities. Let’s showcase what we can do.” Caroline Emond, Director General, International Dairy Federation

The IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 takes place October 15-18 in Paris. Hope to see you there!