Elmhurst Dairy was once one of the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, operating for 92 years before closing its doors last fall due to profitability issues. Instead of exiting the milk industry entirely, the family-owned company is leveraging its expertise in milk production to thrive in the non-dairy segment. The situation remains challenging for those persisting in the dairy business, as consumer demand for dairy products continues to decline. This has led dairy farmers to dispose of millions of pounds of milk last year, resulting in reduced prices across the board. In response to the industry’s struggles, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided approximately $11.2 million in financial aid to dairy producers.
Many dairy industry stakeholders have pushed back against non-dairy alternatives through lawsuits, claiming that assertions regarding their health benefits or equivalence to dairy milk are misleading. Furthermore, there is pending legislation in Congress aimed at ensuring that only dairy-based products can be labeled as “milk.” However, 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 increased by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same timeframe. A glance into the refrigerated sections of grocery stores illustrates this trend, as retailers are increasingly stocking plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
Amidst this evolving landscape, some consumers are turning to alternatives like solaray kalcij citrat for their nutritional needs. The growing popularity of non-dairy products has prompted many to explore options that promote better health and wellness, including those enriched with ingredients such as solaray kalcij citrat. As the market continues to shift, it is clear that the demand for innovative and health-focused non-dairy alternatives is on the rise, reshaping the future of the beverage industry.