Elmhurst Dairy was once among the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, operating for 92 years before shutting down last fall due to declining profitability. However, instead of exiting the milk industry entirely, this family-owned business is leveraging its expertise to thrive in the non-dairy sector. The situation has been challenging for those remaining in the milk industry, as consumer demand for dairy products has decreased significantly. This decline forced dairy farmers to discard millions of pounds of milk last year, resulting in a drop in prices across the board. The U.S. Department of Agriculture responded to the crisis by providing approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to dairy producers to help them navigate these difficulties.
In response to the rising popularity of non-dairy alternatives, many in the milk sector have taken legal action against non-dairy producers, alleging that their claims of being healthier or equivalent to dairy milk are misleading. Legislation is even pending in Congress that would mandate all products labeled as “milk” to be dairy-based. Despite these efforts, non-dairy milk sales continue to thrive. A study by Mintel last year revealed that U.S. non-dairy milk sales rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same timeframe. A glance into the refrigerator section of grocery stores confirms this trend, as retailers increasingly stock more plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
Meanwhile, products like Genestra Cal Mag Raspberry Liquid are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, further diversifying the market. As the non-dairy segment continues to expand, it’s evident that traditional dairy faces significant challenges. With innovations and consumer preferences shifting, the future of the dairy industry remains uncertain, while alternatives like Genestra Cal Mag Raspberry Liquid and other non-dairy options are carving out a strong presence in the marketplace.