Goat Milk

From British farm-led dairies to international cheese specialists, the exhibitor list reflects both the resilience and evolution of the category at a time of heightened sustainability scrutiny and retail pressure.

A strong line-up of dairy and cheese producers will feature at IFE 2026 (International Food & Drink Event), as more than 20 dairy-relevant brands prepare to showcase at Excel London from 30 March to 01 April.

UK producer Blackmore Vale Dairy will present its range of cultured dairy and cheese products, while The Ethical Dairy and Jersey Dairy underline the continued importance of provenance, farming standards and animal welfare in driving premium positioning.

International cheese producers are also well represented. Quesos Corcuera will showcase traditional Spanish cheeses including Manchego, while Italian exhibitor Calzetti brings its portfolio of DOP cheese products and cheese creams for retail and foodservice. From Argentina, Establecimientos San Ignacio will present its cheese and dairy specialities, and Polish dairy group MLEKOVITA adds further scale to the sourcing mix.

Together, the line-up highlights the breadth of opportunity across speciality, export and private label supply, but also a sector navigating structural change.

Alongside sourcing, IFE’s content programme will provide strategic context for dairy producers assessing how to balance commercial performance with sustainability commitments and evolving consumer expectations.

Sustainability and the planetary health debate

Few conversations are more central to dairy’s long-term positioning than the debate around sustainable diets. Mike Barry, Co-Founder of Planeatry Alliance, will explore how planetary health diet principles can be embedded into mainstream food systems.

“IFE is one of the key food gatherings each year to anticipate what’s next in our dynamic, fast-moving sector. It’s a great platform to explore the integration of the principles of a planetary health diet (PHD) – one that’s delicious, exciting and great value for money whilst delivering much better health, environment and justice outcomes – into our sector.”

Barry will focus on practical action across product development and supply chains. “We’ll be focusing not just on the imperative for adopting planetary health diet (PHD) principles across our sector but also the practical steps we need to take – from NPD, sourcing and manufacturing to a food environment that enables better choices to be made – to make a PHD reality for the mass market.”

For dairy producers working to reduce emissions, invest in regenerative farming and respond to retailer sustainability frameworks, the emphasis on implementation rather than rhetoric is likely to resonate.

Retail recalibration

At the same time, supermarket strategy continues to reshape the dairy fixture. Bryan Roberts, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD, will examine the trends and pressures facing grocery decision-makers.

“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest trends impacting the whole of food and drink consumption.” He adds: “The session will provide a concise exploration of the trends, pressures and opportunities keeping supermarket bosses awake at night. The grocery retail market has never been tougher, but, equally, there are some exhilarating opportunities for growth and recalibration.”

For cheese and dairy suppliers, that recalibration may include fixture rationalisation, premiumisation in speciality formats and continued scrutiny on price architecture.

Consumer resilience and evolving demand

Looking ahead, Mintel’s 2026 Food and Drink Predictions will provide insight into how consumer expectations are shifting under ongoing economic uncertainty.

Alice Pilkington, Associate Principal at Mintel, comments: “Mintel’s 2026 Food and Drink Predictions highlight opportunities for food and drink brands to strengthen consumers’ resolve to endure adversity now and in the years ahead. They discuss how consumers will look to food and drink to help them persevere and indeed thrive through times of ongoing uncertainty.

“During the session, we will explain why food and drink brands will place a bigger focus on consumers’ evolving nutritional needs, and also their changed attitudes towards both nostalgia and multisensory features, over the years ahead.”

For dairy, this points to continued opportunity in protein-rich formats, comfort-led cheese innovation, and premium sensory experiences rooted in heritage and authenticity.

A category in transition

With confirmed dairy cheese exhibitors spanning the UK, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Poland, IFE 2026 demonstrates that global appetite for dairy sourcing remains strong.

At the same time, the show’s content programme acknowledges the strategic questions facing the sector: how to align with sustainable diet frameworks, how to navigate retailer recalibration, and how to meet changing nutritional and emotional needs.

For cheese and dairy producers, IFE 2026 offers not only access to buyers, but insight into the forces shaping the next phase of category growth. Find out more on IFE site.

 

 

 

 

 

The U.S. dairy industry is grappling with severe labor shortages, which are exacerbating economic challenges for dairy farms. Large dairy operations are finding it increasingly difficult to hire enough workers, a situation that is contributing to a broader labor crisis within the sector.

One of the key issues facing the industry is the ongoing consolidation of dairy farms. As smaller farms struggle to compete, they are often absorbed by larger operations or forced to shut down. This trend is partly driven by persistently low milk prices, which have made it difficult for many farms to remain profitable.

According to industry reports, the shortage of labor is not only a result of demographic changes but also linked to the demanding nature of dairy work, which requires long hours and physical exertion. Many potential workers are opting for jobs in other sectors that offer better pay and working conditions.

The implications of these challenges extend beyond the dairy farms themselves. Rural communities that rely on dairy farming for economic stability are facing uncertainties. As farms consolidate or close, local economies can suffer from reduced employment opportunities and decreased economic activity.

Efforts to address these issues have included calls for policy changes, such as improving labor mobility and offering incentives to attract workers to the dairy industry. However, these solutions face hurdles, including political and economic constraints.

Future Outlook

While the industry seeks ways to mitigate these challenges, the combination of labor shortages, economic pressures, and consolidation is likely to continue shaping the future of U.S. dairy production. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for measures that will provide relief and ensure the sustainability of dairy farming in the United States.

 

 

The company aims to enhance efficiency and maintain stable milk prices.

Fonterra, a leading dairy cooperative based in Auckland, New Zealand, has announced a strategic pivot towards high-value dairy protein and ingredients. This decision follows the sale of its Mainland division for $4.2 billion. The move aligns with Fonterra’s goals of driving efficiency, supporting growth, and ensuring stable milk prices for its suppliers.

The sale of Mainland is a significant step in Fonterra’s strategy to streamline its operations and focus on areas with higher growth potential. By concentrating on dairy proteins and ingredients, Fonterra aims to capitalize on the increasing global demand for these products. The company believes that this focus will allow it to deliver better value to its stakeholders.

Fonterra’s chief executive expressed confidence that the shift will reinforce the cooperative’s position in the global dairy market. He noted that the company is committed to leveraging its expertise in dairy production to develop innovative products that meet evolving consumer preferences.

This strategic realignment is part of a broader trend within the dairy industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on specialized and value-added products. Fonterra’s move is expected to set a precedent for other players in the sector.