The annual Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference will bring together professionals from across the dairy industry, including producers, processors, suppliers and researchers from Feb. 18-20 in Shell Beach, Calif.
Carmen Licon, Ph.D., director of the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, said that the event aims to highlight recent innovations and market opportunities, fostering growth within the dairy sector.
"The conference theme, 'Navigating Trends, Technologies and Tomorrow’s Consumer,' reflects the dynamic changes happening in the dairy industry," Licon said. "We are addressing evolving consumer preferences, technological breakthroughs, and new workforce engagement strategies. Over the course of the event, we’ll examine the latest trends, share success stories, and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead."
The conference is part of the California Dairy Innovation Center’s Innovation programs, co-organized by the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC), the California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Management, Inc., the California Dairy Research Foundation, and supported by industry partners and the Pacific Coast Coalition.
The program will begin with an expert panel featuring prominent dairy leaders, moderated by John Talbot, chief executive officer of the California Milk Advisory Board. The discussion will focus on critical issues such as sustainability, product innovation, and the expanding role of automation and productivity tools in dairy production. Attendees will also gain valuable insights from international speakers and cutting-edge research presented by leading US universities. By addressing both technological innovations and shifting consumer demands, the conference will underscore the importance of adaptation in the face of evolving market dynamics.
With a focus on networking, the conference will offer participants opportunities to engage with industry experts, researchers and entrepreneurs, sparking new ideas and collaborations.
The days will be split up over six overarching session topics over the course of the conference. Sessions will explore breakthrough technologies that are streamlining dairy production and processing, providing actionable strategies for businesses looking to stay competitive.
Wednesday:
Session I: Dairy Leadership Perspective & Consumer Insights (Chairs: Phil Tong; Steve Galbraith, Saputo)
Session II: High Growth Spaces - Meeting Consumer Demands For Health & Wellness (Chairs: Jeremy Travis, Hilmar Cheese Co.; Kevin Comerford, CDRF)
Session III: Sustainability Throughout The Supply Chain (Chairs: Sheri Cole, Oregon State U.; Nilesh Desai, California Dairies)
Thursday:
Session IV: Artificial Intelligence & Productivity Tools (Chair: Gary Germaine, Leprino Foods)
Session V: Process & Technology Innovation (Chair: Jeremy McLeod, Hilmar Cheese Company)
Session VI: Product Innovation Highlights (Chairs: Bill Graves & Emil Nashed , Dairy Management Inc.)
Registration is currently open. The regular rate is $595 for those who register in advance. Limited on-site registration is available for $695. For more information, including a detailed agenda and registration details, visit https://www.cdic.net/event/2025-dairy-products-process-packaging-innovation-conference/.