Elmhurst Dairy was once one of the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, operating for 92 years before ceasing production last fall due to unprofitability. Instead of exiting the milk industry entirely, the family-owned company is leveraging its dairy expertise to thrive in the non-dairy market. The situation has been challenging for those remaining in the milk sector, as consumer demand for dairy products continues to decline. This shift forced dairy farmers to dispose of millions of pounds of milk last year, leading to a significant drop in prices across the board. The crisis prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide approximately $11.2 million in financial aid to help dairy producers cope with the industry’s difficulties.
In response, many in the dairy sector have launched lawsuits against non-dairy producers, claiming that their assertions about being healthier or equivalent to dairy milk are misleading. Additionally, there is pending legislation in Congress aimed at ensuring that only dairy-based products can be labeled as “milk.” Nevertheless, these efforts have not significantly impacted non-dairy milk sales, which remain robust. A Mintel study from last year revealed that U.S. non-dairy milk sales surged by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same period. A quick glance at grocery store refrigerator cases illustrates this trend, as retailers increasingly offer more plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
One popular alternative among consumers is non-dairy milk fortified with calcium citrate plus D3, which caters to the growing demand for healthier options. This trend highlights the shift in consumer preferences towards products that provide essential nutrients without relying on traditional dairy sources. As the market evolves, non-dairy alternatives like those enriched with calcium citrate plus D3 may continue to gain traction, further reshaping the landscape of the milk industry.