2022 December Board Book

Innovation

The Business Development Team supported CDIC’s Dairy Innovation Conference in Shell Beach from 11-14 October. Jarett Margolis presented with Cal Poly Professor Schroeder on dai ry’s focus in her Entrepreneur class. Bob Carroll presented on packaging innovation. Glenn Millar and Janet Arellano hosted a special session on international innovation opportunities during the last day of the conference.

We are excited for the upcoming live pitch event and by the time of the board meeting, we’ll know who our winners are. RSVPs are coming in, including many large global food and beverage companies. The event will be both in-person and broadcast on the web for those who cannot attend live.

The judges for this year’s competition are:

1. Donna Berry, Editor, Consultant and Food Guru, Dairy & Food Communications, Inc. 2. Rizal Hamdallah, EVP, Former Chief Innovation Officer, Clif Bar & Company 3. John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board 4. Jennifer Chu, Vice President, Food Product Marketing, Sun Basket 5. Ben Yee, Own Brands Product Manager – Dairy, Albertson’s Companies 6. Norma Quon, Senior Director of Marketing, UNFI 7. Erik Throndsen, SVP of Sustainability and Beverage Technology, Talking Rain Beverage

Judging criteria are:

Meets Consumer Demand & Has Potential to Drive Consumption of California Dairy – 40% Viability and Business Strategy – 20%

Innovation & Uniqueness – 20% Founding Team Strength – 20%