WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — A new consumer perception tracker shows strong trust in dairy products, with younger consumers helping drive the trend.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the latest findings from Dairy Management Inc.’s ongoing consumer trust study.
The research tracks changing attitudes toward dairy products and how different generations view the industry.
In his conversation with RFD News, Bjerga says dairy has often been viewed as a product more associated with older consumers, but recent trends suggest younger generations are showing renewed interest in dairy.
“It doesn’t take a lot to figure out what the implications are for this industry. It means things like the increase in cottage cheese consumption we’ve seen in recent years,” Bjerga told RFD News. “The rising consumption of whole milk, and the turn away from plant-based beverages we’ve seen over the last five years. This is something that’s taking on roots, and you really can see it generationally.”
He says dairy farmers themselves deserve credit for helping build trust with consumers, as well as Dairy Management Inc.’s efforts to connect with younger audiences.
Bjerga adds that exports continue to become more important to the dairy industry and stressed the importance of supporting American dairy producers and manufacturers.
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
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