2022 September Board Book

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jennifer Giambroni CMAB jgiambroni@cmab.net (209) 690-8244

California Milk Advisory Board’s Real California Milk Excelerator, Powered by VentureFuel, Launches Quest for New Dairy Innovation

“Open Innovation” competition seeks to accelerate unique dairy startups for fourth consecutive year

Tracy, Calif. – May 23, 2022 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced the return of its annual dairy innovation competition for the fourth year running. This year's Real California Milk Excelerator, created in partnership with innovation consultancy VentureFuel, brings a new, expansive focus to accelerate any dairy-based product – from traditional consumer food and beverage items to textiles, haircare, and beyond. The competition will award up to $500,000 in prizes for new innovative dairy products that introduce novel benefits in any form and drive consumption of Real California dairy. The 2022 Real California Milk Excelerator enables innovation in its truest state: open. Given dairy’s versatility of benefits and functionality, from nutrition and flavor to texture and chemical composition, this open approach encourages innovation across product categories, all leveraging the versatility of the dairy ecosystem. It also taps into two of California’s incredible resources – an abundant supply of sustainably sourced California milk and the stat e’s entrepreneurial spirit. "Real dairy provides a package of functional and practical benefits that’s hard to replicate. We’re seeing an increase in unique products that leverage these benefits emerging in the market. By expanding the competition to all new dairy- based products, versus a specific category, we’re creating more opportunity to make a meaningful difference in consumers' lives and in the utilization of milk from California’s family dairy farms," said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. "With the Exc elerator platforms we’ve established over the past four years, we will be able to support companies as they innovate and establish these products in the market." As one of the biggest dairy competitions in the world, the program seeks early-stage, high growth potential applicants with a 50% cow's milk-based product or working prototype. Up to eight applicants will be selected to join the RCM Excelerator program. Each will have access to a group stipend and a robust network of resources to refine and scale their product and business. They will also participate in the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentorship Program, consisting of elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing industries. VentureFuel, Inc., a leading corporate innovation consultancy, is dr iving what’s next – now – in dairy innovation through the continued partnership with CMAB. "Each year, we tap into our global network of investors, founders, academics, and idea generators to maximize collective