The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today unveiled the start of an exciting new chapter for its presence in Southeast Asia with a virtual event officially launching the new U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence (U.S. CDE). As the first overseas physical investment by USDEC, the U.S. CDE in Singapore is funded by U.S. dairy farmers and processors and envisioned as a gateway for collaboration between the U.S. dairy community (U.S. Dairy) and Southeast Asia's food and beverage stakeholders, the culinary sector, health professionals and other partners.

Dear valued customers and partners,

Our primary wish to you is a sincere hope that you and your colleagues, family and friends are all in good health and staying well as the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) is increasingly felt across all corners of the globe. During these unprecedented times our objective is to maintain clear and open lines of communication. As cases of the COVID-19 continue to spread in the United States and other nations, we are keenly aware of the uncertainty and disruptions you may be facing given the dynamic nature of this global pandemic.

As consumers’ interest in health and wellness foods continues to climb, how to deliver nourishing products that are simultaneously delicious, enjoyable and convenient becomes a challenge and opportunity for food formulators. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) recently announced two innovation partnerships with leading institutions in China and Southeast Asia aimed at meeting the needs and desires of local consumers across life stages, from youth to adults to seniors.

The leaders of three major U.S. dairy organizations: US Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation and International Dairy Foods Association, traveled to Mexico to reinforce industry commitment to the Mexican market. U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) President and CEO Tom Vilsack affirmed and celebrated the U.S. dairy industry’s mutually beneficial partnership with Mexico when he spoke to the National Dairy Forum in Mexico City on March 15. The annual forum is organized by the Mexican Federation of Milk Producers (Femeleche) to bring together Mexican dairy industry leaders, farmers and government officials.