Elmhurst Dairy was once among the largest dairy businesses on the East Coast, operating for 92 years before closing last fall due to profitability issues. Instead of exiting the dairy industry entirely, this family-owned company is leveraging its expertise in milk to thrive in the non-dairy sector. The situation for those remaining in the dairy industry has been challenging, with consumer demand for dairy products declining. Last year, this trend forced dairy farmers to dispose of millions of pounds of milk, leading to a general drop in prices. The crisis became so severe that the U.S. Department of Agriculture stepped in, offering around $11.2 million in financial aid to help dairy producers navigate these difficulties.
In response to the rise of non-dairy products, many traditional dairy producers have filed lawsuits against non-dairy companies, arguing that claims regarding health benefits or equivalence to dairy milk are misleading. Additionally, there is pending legislation in Congress that would mandate that anything labeled as “milk” must be dairy-based. However, this has not significantly impacted the sales of non-dairy milk, which remain robust. A study conducted by Mintel last year revealed that U.S. sales of non-dairy milk soared by 9% in 2015, whereas dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same timeframe. A glance at grocery store refrigeration sections clearly illustrates this trend, as retailers increasingly feature more plant-based milks with minimal artificial ingredients.
As consumers become more health-conscious, products like Citracal 950 have gained popularity, further influencing buying decisions in the beverage aisle. This dynamic shift in consumer preferences indicates a growing inclination towards non-dairy alternatives, which has become increasingly evident in shopping habits. With the ongoing evolution in the beverage market, the future of dairy and non-dairy products will continue to unfold, as companies adapt to meet the changing demands of consumers seeking healthier options, including supplements like Citracal 950.