Six research and development/technical staff from leading Japanese food and beverage manufacturers participated in a technical training reverse trade mission in the United States, July 11-17 2015, timed to coincide with the annual Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) show. The mission provided a first-hand opportunity for the participants to discover the U.S. dairy industry, its product portfolio scope, the health and nutritional benefits of dairy proteins, and new product trends with U.S. dairy ingredients. The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo in Chicago also provided an opportunity to meet with exhibiting U.S. suppliers to learn about their attractive and evolving product offerings as well as commitment to meet customer needs in Japan and other global markets.

With a rapidly aging population and keen consumer health consciousness, Japanese food and beverage manufacturers are actively developing products that contain functional and healthy ingredients that meet consumer needs and desires. U.S. dairy proteins, which research has demonstrated benefits for maintaining muscle mass, healthy body composition and weight management, can expand the possibilities for manufacturers to formulate better-for-you foods and beverages that consumers demand.

After IFT, the trade mission brought the Japanese food and beverage manufacturers on a farm tour to Golden Oaks farm, where they were able to see U.S. Dairy's rich heritage of land stewardship and commitment to producing wholesome, quality dairy products in a sustainable manner.

Another part of the tour included a technical training program at the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research highlighting the multifaceted functional and innovative benefits of U.S. dairy proteins. The session inspired the Japanese food and beverage manufacturers about the advantages of innovating new products using U.S. whey and milk proteins that deliver upon consumers' health and wellness needs while maintaining favorable flavor and texture.