Tracy, Calif. – January 26, 2026 – The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the final program of the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, Feb. 24-26, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif.
The conference, organized by CDIC in collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, promises an unparalleled opportunity for dairy processors to immerse themselves in the latest insights shaping the future of the industry. This year’s program will bring together global thought leaders, cutting-edge researchers, and seasoned industry executives to explore the trends, technologies, and consumer drivers transforming dairy. From global market outlooks with Innova, Rabobank and McKinsey to deep dives on health and wellness from UC Davis experts, attendees will gain forward-looking perspectives essential to staying competitive. High-impact sessions on protein innovation, international product breakthroughs, and emerging process technologies will be presented by California researchers and innovators. Panels and presentations showcase the expertise of leaders from DFA, Clover Sonoma, Leprino, Hilmar, Tetra Pak, Dairy Management Inc., and more.
Designed to spark ideas and accelerate innovation, the conference offers unmatched networking and tabletop sessions. With focused conversations on export opportunities, hot topics in processing, and the latest work from California’s rising dairy research innovators, this is the must-attend event for anyone committed to advancing dairy products, processes, and packaging.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Join the celebration of four decades in advancing dairy science, innovation, and industry partnerships. A dinner reception will bring together alumni, industry leaders, faculty, students, and friends to honor the legacy of the center and look ahead to the future of dairy innovation. More information and registration are available here.
The Shell Beach Conference programs are organized by the California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions by the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State), industry sponsors and the CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).
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About the California Dairy Innovation Center
The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes Dairy Farmers of America, California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.