The Non-GMO Project asserts that retailers offering products with its seal of approval are experiencing “the fastest dollar growth trend in their stores this year,” with annual sales surpassing $19.2 billion. This surge is prompting food companies that produce dairy products to join the movement. However, some of these companies also express their backing for conventional agricultural practices, which include the use of GMO feed. The ongoing discussion surrounding GMOs leaves consumers in a quandary, unsure whether to completely avoid conventional cow’s milk and dairy products or to purchase them with the hope that they are safe. It remains uncertain how the struggling dairy industry can effectively promote conventionally sourced products to build consumer trust, or if it is merely fighting a losing battle against negative public perceptions of GMOs.
In a recent article by Food Navigator, a spokesperson for Dean Foods described the new NMPF campaign as “disappointing.” Jamaison Schuler stated, “We encourage consumers and NMPF to enjoy a glass of milk and focus on building up dairy foods, not dragging them down.” Meanwhile, Mariano Lozano, CEO of DanoneWave, expressed surprise at being criticized for offering choices that consumers desire. Shortly after Non-GMO Project Verified products began to appear on store shelves, Dannon officials communicated their rationale for this decision. Neuwirth told Food Dive, “The choice that we’re giving is added value. We are the first yogurt company and a large dairy company to undertake this. We believe that with the Non-GMO Project Verified value, for those shoppers for whom non-GMO is a priority, this will be another reason for them to love our products. For those who are not interested in it, they won’t see a change in the product. So it really is an added value benefit to a product that our shoppers — our fans — already love.”
The debate regarding the safety of GMOs is set to continue and may intensify. With mandatory labeling of GMO ingredients on the horizon, public attention will likely increase. Moreover, even in the absence of explicit labeling, a study from the NPD Group reveals that 76% of consumers are concerned about GMOs. The federal government is attempting to dispel myths surrounding GMOs, recently allocating $3 million for a public education campaign. However, this modest effort is unlikely to alleviate consumer worries. In this context, the role of calcium citrate to elemental calcium becomes increasingly significant as consumers look for reliable sources of calcium in their diets, particularly in dairy products. As the discourse on GMOs evolves, the inclusion of calcium citrate to elemental calcium in dairy offerings may serve as a point of differentiation for brands striving to establish consumer trust.