Press Releases and Industry Insights

REAL CALIFORNIA MILK LAUNCHES 8TH ANNUAL NATIONAL SEARCH FOR THE BEST PIZZA RECIPES FEATURING CALIFORNIA CHEESE & DAIRY

2026 Real California Pizza Contest features two dynamic categories,

eight finalists, and $18,500 in prize money

Interns Selected to Represent Real California Milk in Thailand and Mexico This Summer

TRACY, Calif. – February 4, 2026 – Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar and Victoria Paolini of Los Banos have been selected to serve as interns for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Julia Basch of Los Angeles and Ellie Dyt of Crows Landing will serve in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the 2026 CMAB International Internship Program.

GUEST COLUMNIST — Lizzie Werber

The Case for Experience in Today’s Retail Ecosystem

Lizzie Werber is director of U.S. retail business development for the California Milk Advisory Board, Tracy, California, where she leads planning, execution and analysis of consumer promotions, including retailer-specific shopper marketing programs, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer activations.

Tracy, Calif. – January 22, 2026 – The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for short courses and events as a part of its 2026 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants. The schedule includes:

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.

TRACY, Calif. – (January 5, 2026) – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will highlight a diverse selection of innovative specialty dairy products made with sustainably produced milk at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire, taking place January 11–13, 2026, in San Diego, Calif.

Tracy, Calif. – December 15, 2025 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced

Smearcase as the grand prize winner at the 7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition. The award was presented during the 2025 RCM Excelerator live pitch event on December 11th in Napa, Calif., where four new finalists were also selected to compete for the 2026 grand prize.

Tracy, Calif. – December 8, 2025 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced a series of strategic promotions that recognize the contributions of four accomplished individuals who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

Easy Holiday Gifting in Three Steps: Select, Click, and Share the Real California Goodness

New UC Davis study highlights dairy’s role as California’s leading agricultural force, driving growth, sustainability and global exports

TRACY, Calif. – (November 17, 2025) – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Leslie Ganzer to its Foodservice team. In her new role, Ganzer will support engagement initiatives with major foodservice operators and distributors to expand participation in CMAB programs.

California dairy processors to exhibit in Chicago November 16-18, 2025

Tracy, Calif. – (November 10, 2025) – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a diverse selection of innovative and sustainably sourced specialty dairy products at PLMA’s 2025 Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, Ill. at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center November 16-18.

2 students to be selected to represent Real California Milk abroad in 2026

Daniels to lead strategic marketing initiatives designed to strengthen awareness and demand for Real California Milk globally

Lovera brings expertise in business development, client relations, and cross-cultural project management to global efforts for Real California Milk

TRACY, Calif. – (October 3, 2025) – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Alejandra Lovera as International Business Development Manager, supporting the organization’s global market development initiatives.

Fourteen companies join 7th annual innovation program spanning growth-stage
Excelerator and early-stage Incubator tracks

GUEST COLUMNIST – Veronique Lagrange

Coffee: A growth driver for milk

This article explores how coffee—from café lattes to ready-to-drink formats and innovative creamers—has become a powerful growth engine for the dairy industry, driving significant milk demand through taste, functionality, and evolving consumer preferences.

Kindle brings expertise in digital engagement, brand strategy, and cross-functional project management to retail marketing team

TRACY, Calif. — (September 2, 2025) – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Cynthia Kindle as Marketing Manager, U.S Retail supporting the organization’s retail brand initiatives and consumer engagement strategies.

Promotion Offers Solution for Busy Families with Quick and Nutritious Recipes Made with Wholesome Real California Dairy Products

Tracy, Calif. – August 5, 2025 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced the launch of the 2025 Real California Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest, a national foodservice recipe competition inviting professional chefs to reimagine the classic grilled cheese sandwich using California’s rich array of artisan cheeses and butter.