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It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the demands of today’s consumers. Whether it’s for more nostalgic tastes or healthier moments of indulgence, dairy processors will need to keep an eye on these trends to stand out from the competition. 

These days, a trip to the grocery store can be very expensive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the food at home index rose 6.4% over the 12 months ending in November 2021 — the most significant 12-month increase since the period ending in December 2008.

It’s no secret that consumers are more health-conscious now than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this already fast-growing trend as people re-evaluated their current lifestyles and began taking a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing. 

I am writing this column as 2021 nears its end and 2022 awaits on the horizon.

Ask a dairy installer what matters most when it comes to piping, and you’ll likely hear about hygienic design.

Supply chain disruptions are currently a highly frustrating reality for industries across the globe. In fact, an October 2021 quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange relays that supply chains are arguably in the most dire condition since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Rarely in business are we offered an opportunity that results in the right thing to do for our customers, the right thing to do for our business and the right thing to do for our brand.

It’s November — the air is crisp, pumpkin-spice offerings are seemingly everywhere, and the Thanksgiving holiday is looming. November is memorable for more than those reasons, however. It is also the month that Dairy Foods publishes its annual State of the Industry report.

Numerous Americans increased their home cooking habits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this shift, there was a dramatic increase in retail cheese sales.

Dairy processors should use automation in two ways. One is to optimize ongoing operations, of course. This can also help plants become more environmentally friendly. The other time to use automation is before construction of a facility even begins.