Elmhurst Dairy was once one of the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, operating for 92 years before shutting down last fall due to unprofitability. Instead of exiting the dairy sector entirely, the family-owned business is now leveraging its expertise in milk to thrive in the non-dairy market. The milk industry has faced significant challenges, as consumer demand for dairy products has been declining. This downturn led dairy farmers to discard millions of pounds of milk last year, resulting in a widespread drop in prices. The situation became so dire that the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided approximately $11.2 million in financial aid to assist dairy producers in navigating these difficulties.
In response to the rise of non-dairy alternatives, many in the milk industry have sought legal action against non-dairy producers, claiming that their assertions of being healthier or equivalent to dairy milk are misleading. Additionally, there is pending legislation in Congress aimed at ensuring that anything labeled “milk” must be dairy-based. However, this has not significantly impacted the sales of non-dairy milk, which continue to thrive. A study conducted 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 a grocery store’s refrigerator section confirms this trend, as retailers increasingly offer a wider variety of plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
Interestingly, products fortified with calcium citrate have gained popularity among consumers looking for healthier options. These calcium citrate-enriched non-dairy milks provide an appealing alternative for those seeking to boost their calcium intake without relying on traditional dairy. As the market for non-dairy products continues to grow, the presence of calcium citrate in these offerings is likely to become even more prominent, reflecting the changing preferences of consumers. The dairy industry must adapt to these shifts, as the demand for plant-based milks shows no signs of slowing down.