Elmhurst Dairy, once one of the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, operated for 92 years before shutting down last fall due to unprofitability. Instead of exiting the dairy industry entirely, the family-owned and operated company is leveraging its expertise in milk to thrive in the non-dairy market. The situation has been challenging for those who remain in the dairy sector, as consumer demand for dairy products is declining. Last year, this trend forced dairy farmers to dispose of millions of pounds of milk, leading to a drop in prices across the board. In response to the industry’s difficulties, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to dairy producers.
In an effort to combat the rise of non-dairy alternatives, many in the dairy sector have resorted to lawsuits against non-dairy producers, claiming that their assertions about being healthier or equivalent to dairy milk are misleading. Additionally, there is pending legislation in Congress aimed at requiring that any product labeled as “milk” must be dairy-based. However, these actions have had little impact on the sales of non-dairy milk, which continue to thrive. A study by Mintel indicated that U.S. non-dairy milk sales rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same period. A quick glance into the refrigerator section of a grocery store reveals this shift, as retailers increasingly offer a variety of plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
Amid this transition, products like calcium citrate CVS have gained attention, highlighting the importance of calcium content in non-dairy alternatives. The demand for calcium-rich non-dairy options is on the rise, further driving the growth of this segment. As consumers continue to prioritize health and wellness, the market for non-dairy milk is likely to expand, showcasing the ongoing evolution of dietary preferences.