As a global leader in sustainability and social responsibility, the U.S. dairy community has had a long-standing commitment to healthy people, a healthy planet and healthy communities. This commitment is furthered each and every day through innovative practices, unique capabilities and providing versatile, nutritious products. Earth Day marks a special occasion to honor U.S. Dairy’s contributions to sustainable food systems.

U.S. Dairy is positioned to help food and beverage manufacturers worldwide capitalize on the growing demand for more nutritious and delicious products made from socially, environmentally and economically responsible sources. 

Strong customer and consumer demand for U.S. cheeses and dairy ingredients drove U.S. dairy exports to record heights in 2022, setting new volume and value records. It was the third straight record year for volume and the second for value, with new annual export records set for cheese, whey and lactose. 

Export volume on a milk solids equivalent (MSE) basis increased 5% to 2.4 million metric tons (MT). Export volume in 2022 was equivalent to 18% of U.S. milk produced last year, also an all-time high. Export value increased 25% to $9.6 billion—the first time it has ever crossed the $9-billion mark.

The U.S. dairy community continues to make investments for the future of food. Thanks to dairy farmers’ relentless use of careful management and adoption of innovative practices, milk is being produced in the United States in an especially efficient way that nourishes people but also helps protect our planet. One example of this, U.S. Dairy’s bold journey to greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality, was showcased at the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) 21st World Congress of Food Science & Technology in Singapore early this month.

International whey processors, researchers, and product developers united with leading nutrition, food, and beverage subject matter experts at the 2022 International Whey Conference (IWC). Held in Chicago from September 11-14, discussions were focused on the bright and innovative future of whey.

From new scientific research and market developments likely to impact the future state of the whey industry, to growing global opportunities for whey ingredient applications, the biennial conference was abuzz with information, trends, and ideas. Many presentations put a spotlight on dairy’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its progress towards greenhouse gas neutrality. Researchers shared how the science on whey ingredient health benefits has expanded beyond protein and muscle health to include lipids, carbohydrates, and metabolic health. Innovative technologies were introduced that further advance the processing and functionality of whey for product development.

U.S. dairy exports’ strong performance continued in the first half of 2022, following the record-breaking volume and value growth last year. Exports year-to-date are up 27% in value and 2% in volume compared to the same period last year, buoyed by a healing supply chain. In fact, the United States was the only major dairy exporter to see solid growth in exports over the past 12 months (July 2021-June 2022), reinforcing its advantages as the international supplier of choice for dairy products and ingredients.