Beleaf® PlantBetter is the answer to the complexities faced by food manufacturers and bakers seeking plant-based alternatives that match the sensory qualities and versatile functionality of traditional dairy butter and can easily be integrated in their current production process.

Negative farm-level margins in mid-2023, along with some adverse weather, pulled US milk production below year-ago levels and dairy farmers have been reducing the size of their herds. US milk production in 2024 is expected to increase 0.8%, with most of the growth coming in the second half.

Over the past four years, plant-based product sales have seen strong growth, reaching record sales of $8B in 2022 (SPINS). While 88% of active users have a moderate to high commitment to continue their plant-based purchases, one-third of shoppers say they would like to see more plant-based offerings at stores, according to research. Retailers and brands can drive growth by offering a broader assortment and more online and in-store options.

Wesson Plant Butters expand the home cooking possibilities with a 100% plant based, dairy and preservative free, vegan option.

Club® Crackers introduced Club x Butter Chardonnay Minis, which are buttery Club Minis infused with rich, creamy Butter Chardonnay by JaM Cellars. 

"Our Butter Snack Spread line is designed to bring more flavor to our consumers so we are thrilled to add Lawry's, a family favorite kitchen staple to our latest offering," said Michael Burdeny, president of Challenge Dairy Products, Inc. "Challenge and Lawry's products have been loved for generations and we predict fans of both will be ecstatic to easily elevate their snacks and meals with this new versatile butter."

Challenge Butter Snack Spread Lawry's® Seasoned Salt is a combination of freshly churned Challenge Butter and the iconic Lawry's signature blend of salt, herbs and spices.

It’s always good to start a dairy report with a tall glass of milk. While it’s safe to say reports of dairy milk’s demise in the face of the plant-based boom are premature, unit sales slipped again in 2022 by 3.3%. Luckily for the industry, dollar sales increased by more than twice that percentage (7%) due to price-per-unit increases of 11 cents.

According to Mintel’s US 2022 Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Dairy report, more than half (57%) of American adults now consume dairy alternatives as part of their diet. Health consciousness, growing lactose intolerance and the preference for vegan diets have all contributed to the popularity of dairy alternatives. 

According to a recent Mintel Report on the US milk and non-dairy milk market, 50% of consumers buy real dairy products and 38% of consumers enjoy real dairy along with their alternative dairy purchases.