The Dairy Download

Hosted by IDFA

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A podcast series presented by the International Dairy Foods Association and Ever.Ag. The Dairy Download is a 30-minute podcast hosted by Phil Plourd and Kathleen Noble Wolfley of Ever.Ag that covers dairy market news and offers fresh guest commentary on the consumer and policy trends shaping dairy. Breezy and informative, The Dairy Download takes listeners through a top-line report on the CME dairy markets, and then dives into the headlines and trends shaping dairy production, consumption and marketing with industry experts, market analysts, and leaders from across food and beverage. The Dairy Download is available wherever you get your podcasts, as well as for direct download from https://www.idfa.org/thedairydownload.

Listen to episodes

30 recent

October 13, 202638 min

Ep. 125 - The Future of Dairy in Europe

Europe's dairy sector is balancing shifting consumer preferences, evolving sustainability expectations and a rapidly changing global marketplace. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore the trends shaping dairy production, marketing, trade and innovation across Europe and what they mean for the future of the industry. Tune in for insights from Angela Madlangbayan, Global Head of Marketing & Innovation at Ornua, and Jukka Likitalo, Secretary General of Eucolait. This conversation examines consumer demand and dairy innovation, the growth of branded dairy products, international trade and market opportunities, sustainability initiatives, milk production trends and farm economics, as well as the challenges and opportunities that will define the European dairy sector in the years ahead. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

September 22, 202638 min

Ep. 124 - The Dairy Plant of the Future

Advances in automation, artificial intelligence, membrane filtration and digital technologies are transforming the dairy processing plant. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore how innovation is helping dairy manufacturers improve efficiency, optimize operations and prepare for the future of dairy production. Tune in for insights from Rachel McGinness, RD&E Program Leader at Ecolab, and Jared Helenic, Technology and Innovation Product Specialist at Infor. This conversation examines emerging filtration technologies, the growing role of automation and data-driven decision-making, advancements in cleaning and sanitation, AI-powered performance improvements and what the dairy processing plant of the future could look like over the next five to 10 years. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

September 8, 202637 min

Ep. 123 - Consumer Trends and the Future of Beef and Dairy

Consumer priorities, retail trends and changing cattle markets are reshaping the outlook for both beef and dairy. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore what’s driving food purchasing decisions today and how evolving market dynamics are creating new opportunities across the dairy and beef value chains. Tune in for insights from Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, and Abbi Groves, economist for agricultural commodities at CoBank. This conversation examines consumer demand, grocery and deli trends, the growing beef-on-dairy market, cattle supply challenges and what lies ahead for beef and dairy producers. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

August 25, 202639 min

Ep. 122 - Navigating EPR and the Future of Dairy Packaging

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are transforming how companies think about packaging, creating new challenges and opportunities for dairy manufacturers. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore how evolving EPR requirements are influencing packaging decisions, sustainability strategies and business costs across the dairy industry. Listen to this episode to hear from Travis Klug, Marketing Manager at Amcor, and Lowell Huffman, Director of Channel Partnerships at RePurpose Global. This conversation examines packaging innovation, compliance best practices, supplier collaboration and what dairy companies should be doing today to prepare for the future of EPR. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

August 10, 202637 min

Ep. 121 - Nutritional Bang For Your Buck and the Future of Dairy Accessibility

Access to affordable, nutritious food is top of mind for families, retailers, policymakers and food assistance organizations. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore the critical role dairy plays in helping Americans access nutrient-dense foods while stretching their food dollars further. Tune in for insights from Stephanie Johnson, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the National Grocers Association, and Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH for Hunger. This conversation examines how grocery retailers, nonprofit organizations, and the dairy industry can work together to improve affordability, nutrition, and food security for communities across the country. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

July 28, 202639 min

Ep. 120 - The Art and Science of Ice Cream Innovation

July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate how ice cream continues to delight consumers through a combination of timeless favorites and innovative new flavors, formats, and experiences. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we are excited to spotlight two companies that continue to balance innovation, tradition and the joy of America's favorite frozen treat. Tune in for insights from Kinsey MacDonald, innovation manager, and Taylor Janisse, product developer at Hudsonville Ice Cream, along with Renato DePaolis II, CEO of Hoffmann Oberweis Dairy and Cedar Crest Ice Cream. From award-winning flavor innovations and consumer trends to high-protein ice cream, this conversation dives deep into what's shaping the next generation of ice cream and driving growth across the category. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

July 14, 202630 min

Ep. 119 - Investment Across New York's Dairy Supply Chain

New York is home to one of the nation's leading dairy regions and continued investment of $2.8 Billion across the dairy supply chain is helping drive growth, innovation and opportunity for farmers, processors and local communities. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy leaders are working to meet evolving consumer demand, strengthen the industry's future and support the economic vitality of the Northeast. Tune in for insights from Thomas Chartrand, CFO of Byrne Dairy , and Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association , as they discuss dairy investment in New York, emerging opportunities and challenges for the industry and what's next for dairy production and processing in the region. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 29, 202638 min

Ep. 118 - Trends Driving Dairy in Today's Restaurant Industry

Dairy continues to shape the way restaurants innovate—appearing across menus in familiar favorites and trend-forward applications. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy is being used to deliver flavor, functionality and versatility and how it's evolving in today’s foodservice landscape. Tune in for insights from Bret Thorn, Senior Food and Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News , and Ryan Smith, President and CEO of Rubix Foods! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 16, 202640 min

Ep. 117 - Social Media and the Future of Dairy Consumer Engagement

From integrated marketing campaigns to farmer-led storytelling, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the strategies dairy organizations are using to strengthen consumer connections and build brand relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this discussion, we examine how companies are leveraging social media, influencer partnerships and authentic content to engage audiences, enhance transparency and elevate the voice of the dairy industry. Tune in for insights from Austin Blythe, Marketing Director with Tillamook County Creamery Association and Valerie Morrow, Director of Social Media at Dairy Farmers of America! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 1, 202638 min

Ep. 116 - Powering the Future of Dairy with Protein and Fiber Innovation

From advancing innovation in milk protein to unlocking the benefits of fiber and prebiotics, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the science and strategy driving the next generation of dairy products. In this discussion, we look at how dairy companies are meeting the rising demand for high-protein functional foods, while balancing nutrition with taste and texture. Tune in for insights from Venkat Sunkesula, vice president of research and development at Idaho Milk Products, and Junrui Cheng, PhD, senior nutrition scientist at Ingredion! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

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