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- IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024
IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024
Dairy actors around the world have been actively engaged over the years in improving the farming and processing of milk and dairy foods. The 3rd annual IDF Dairy Innovation Awards are designed to demonstrate the engagement and dynamism of the dairy sector worldwide, offering a unique platform to showcase innovative processes, practices and products that improve efficiency and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The awards will open for entries in February and will run until June 2024. Winners will be announced in a Special Plenary Session on innovation at the IDF World Dairy Summit.
About
Hosted by the IDF in partnership with international food and drinks consultancy Zenith Global, with Headline sponsorship from world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak.
Dairy actors around the world have been actively engaged over the years in improving the farming and processing of milk and dairy foods.
The 3rd annual IDF Dairy Innovation Awards are designed to encourage and celebrate innovative practices across the dairy sector and their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In the context of these awards, innovation is defined as a process or product that improves efficiency.
The awards will open for entries on 21 February and run until 14 June 2024.
Winners will be announced on 18 October in an Special Plenary Session on innovation at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Paris, France.
Download the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024 Entry Guidelines here.
BENEFITS OF ENTERING THE AWARDS
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards demonstrate the engagement and dynamism of the dairy industry worldwide, offering a platform to showcase new innovators and their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The awards offer a great opportunity to:
- Gain recognition for your innovative and sustainable industry practices.
- Add credibility with buyers and investors, utilising your status as a finalist or winner.
- Receive international media attention, through the publication of finalists and winners through leading industry media.
- Help reinforce your position in the global dairy community.
- Build awareness of your operations, engaging consumers and other industry stakeholders.
- Share the news of your success with a dedicated announcement across the IDF’s social media platforms.
- Receive a comprehensive communications kit complete with press release, a digital logo package, certificate, and a trophy for winners.
- Presentation of your shortlisted product in a Special Plenary Session on innovation, attended by participants from the global dairy community at the IDF Dairy Summit in Paris, France on 18 October.
About IDF
Helping nourish the world with safe and sustainable dairy
The IDF is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. Since 1903, IDF has provided a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products. A recognized international authority in the development of science-based standards for the dairy sector, IDF has an important role to play in ensuring the right policies, standards, practices and regulations are in place to ensure the world’s dairy products are safe and sustainable. www.fil-idf.org
About Tetra Pak
Our promise, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™," reflects our vision to commit to making food safe and available, everywhere.
Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. With more than 25,000 employees around the world, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business.
Entry process
WHO CAN ENTER
Entry is open to IDF members as well as non-member individuals, including dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives, dairy processors and dairy research operators, as well service and equipment companies for the dairy sector.
ENTRY COSTS
Entry to the awards is free for IDF members.
Please enter the promotional code shared by your National Committee Secretary when completing your registration. If you have misplaced this booking code, please get in touch directly with your National Committee Secretary who will share this with you.
Entry for non-members is €150 per category, or €90 with entry into multiple categories.
ENTRY PROCESS
There are two stages to the entry process.
1. Simply click 'Enter Now', and select the categories and products you wish to enter and then fill out your personal details.
If you are an IDF member, please ensure you enter the promotional code shared by your National Committee Secretary.
If you are not an IDF member, a link for payment will be shared with you following completion of your entry form.
2. Once we have received your application, a member of the awards team will be in touch to share the entry questionnaire with you for completion and offer support with your submission.
What is required?
For each category entry you will be required to:
- Complete an entry questionnaire, demonstrating why your innovation deserves to win in its category.
- Share two high-resolution product images.
Entry submissions should be sent by email to awards@zenithglobal.com.
Download the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024 Entry Guidelines here.
Categories
CATEGORIES
Entries will be invited in ten awards categories, focusing on sustainable and community-led initiatives as well as new product development:
- Innovation in sustainable farming practices:
- Environment
- Animal care
- Socio-economic
- Innovation in sustainable processing
- Innovation in sustainable packaging
- Innovation in new product development:
- Dairy product with focus on human nutrition
- Food safety equipment
- Innovation in women empowerment in the dairy sector
- Innovation in climate action
- Innovation in marketing & communication initiative building dairy category
Entrants may participate in multiple categories, as appropriate.
Download the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024 Entry Guidelines here.
ENTRY CRITERIA BY CATEGORY
Innovation in sustainable farming practices (A) environment
This category is to recognise new/game changing ideas, concepts, methods or processes that improve sustainability and impact positively on the dairy sector.
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- How does this innovation improve efficiency or reduce cost, water, soil, energy use and emissions?
- How does your innovation contribute to national and industry programmes?
- Does this innovation have the potential to be applied to the wider industry?
- How does your innovation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Specify which goal(s).
- How does this innovation contribute to increasing engagement with dairy farmers and milk/dairy foods?
Innovation in sustainable farming practices (B) socio-economic
This category is to recognise new/game changing ideas, concepts, methods or processes that improve sustainability and impact positively on the dairy sector.
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- How does this innovation improve efficiency or livelihood, or how does it have a positive impact on the community?
- How does your innovation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Specify which goal(s).
- How does this innovation contribute to increasing engagement with dairy farmers and milk/dairy foods?
Innovation in sustainable farming practices (C) animal care
This category is to recognise new/game changing ideas, concepts, methods or processes that improve sustainability and impact positively on the dairy sector.
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- How does this innovation improve animal health and welfare?
- How does your innovation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Specify which goal(s).
- How does this innovation contribute to increasing engagement with dairy farmers and milk/dairy foods?
Innovation in sustainable processing:
This category is to recognise new/game changing ideas, concepts, methods, processes that improve sustainability and impact positively on the dairy sector. The innovation can be on any aspects of sustainability: environment, socio-economic, animal health & wellness or nutrition & health.
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- How does this innovation improve efficiency or reduce cost, water, energy use and emissions?
- How does your innovation contribute to national and industry programmes?
- How does your innovation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
- Does this innovation have the potential to be applied to the wider industry?
- How does this innovation contribute to increasing engagement with dairy industry
Innovation in sustainable packaging
This category is to recognise new/game changing ideas in packaging design and production to minimise environmental impact
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- To what extent does your innovation save on materials, reduce emissions, improve consumer experience, extend product shelf life, simplify storage and distribution, contribute to recycling or the use of recycled content?
- Does this innovation have the potential to be applied to the wider industry?
- How does your innovation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Innovation in new product development a) dairy product with focus on human nutrition
This category is to recognise the development of new products with a focus on human nutrition – an essential area of the IDF’s programme of work
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation in new product development?
- How does your new product development contribute to human nutrition?
- In what ways did you incorporate these objectives in the development process?
- How have you measured the impact of your new product development on food safety and consumer nutrition?
- What scientific assessments were utilised to ensure this?
Innovation in new product development b) food safety equipment
This category is to recognise the development of new products with a focus on food safety equipment – an essential area of the IDF’s programme of work
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What is your innovation in new product development?
- How does your new product development contribute to food safety?
- In what ways did you incorporate these objectives in the development process?
- How have you measured the impact of your new product development on food safety and consumer nutrition?
- What scientific assessments were utilised to ensure this?
Innovation in women empowerment in the dairy sector
This category is to highlight female leadership in the dairy value chain, through the development of specific initiatives and programmes designed to support this
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What specific initiatives or programmes has your organisation developed to enhance female leadership and the empowerment of women within the dairy sector?
- In what ways have these initiatives or programmes contributed to women empowerment in the dairy sector and female leadership?
- Can you provide metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) to illustrate the impact of such measures?
Innovation in climate action
This category is in line with the sector engagement with the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero Initiative and is to recognise concrete practices that help to meet the initiative’s goals.
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions?
- What is your innovation and why does it deserve to win in this category?
- How does this innovation improve operational efficiency, reduce green-house-gas emissions and/or contribute to improving the overall environment?
- How does your innovation contribute to national and industry targets and programmes?
- Note: This innovation could be either in dairy production or in processing.
Innovation in marketing & communication initiative building dairy category
This category seeks to award value generation for the dairy category through specific marketing and communication strategies and campaigns
In your entry, you will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What recent marketing and communication strategy or campaign have you recently launched to promote the dairy category?
- What were its main objectives?
- What channels did you utilise to ensure visibility and reach?
- What were the highlights of this strategy or campaign?
- How effective has your strategy or campaign been in adding value? Please share metrics or key performance indicators to illustrate this
Judges
Jamie Jonker, Ph.D
IDF Governance & Chair of the Science and Programme Coordination Committee
Jamie is Chair of the Science and Programme Coordination Committee, elected as Chair of the SPCC in 2020, and former Chair of the: IDF Standing Committee on Farm Management and Expert Group on Animal Feeding...
Joyce Munini Mutua
Dairy Technologist, Chief Dairy Development Officer at Kenya Dairy Board
Joyce is a dairy expert whose 20 years of experience in management, training, and advisory services in private- and public-sector roles have greatly contributed to the growth of Kenya’s dairy industry.
Piercristiano Brazzale
IDF President and Chair of the Board of Directors. IDF Governance.
Piercristiano is President and Chair of the Board of Directors of IDF since November 2020.
Piercristiano Brazzale has also been involved in various IDF’s committees and initiatives for the last decade and he is a well-known figure in the global dairy community, mostly due to the important private activity he has developed alongside his institutional engagement at IDF for the last 30 years. Mr. Brazzale is currently Vice-president of the Brazzale Moravia Dairy Group and Co-CEO of Brazzale Dairy Company Group, Italy’s oldest dairy company, with investments in Italy, Czech Republic, China and Brazil. His family company has been producing top quality cheese for at least eight generations, a tradition Mr. Brazzale has successfully honoured during his professional career.
Richard Walton
Meiji Co., Ltd. Marketing
Richard is General Manager in the R&D Division of Meiji Co., Ltd. He has extensive experience in R&D related to dairy, functional foods, and medical foods and is responsible for international research collaborations and information technology.
Marilyn Hershey
Chair, Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI), and Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer
Marilyn’s leadership in the dairy industry is built on collaboration and helping to guide the plan to build sales and trust in dairy among today’s consumers.
• Chair of Dairy Management, Inc.
• Member of the American Dairy Association Northeast Board of Directors and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program
• A recent appointment as Chair, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers (USFRA)
Marilyn willingly opens her farm to tours and media members, proudly sharing her commitment to environmental stewardship and the many practices that reduce dairy’s carbon footprint.
She has represented the dairy industry at key events, including the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit and sessions hosted by the World Farmers Organization and Solutions from the Land where she summarized the U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative, the industry’s environmental stewardship goals and the technologies and upcycling practices she implements on her farm. Her story has reached hundreds of global thought leaders.
In 2017, Marilyn was recognized as World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Woman of the Year, and in 2018 Corteva Agriscience on International Day of Rural Women recognized her as one of 10 women from around the world for their leadership in agriculture. Marilyn also writes a regular column for Hoard’s Dairyman.
Thanawat Tiensin
Director, Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS (FAO)
Mr Thanawat Tiensin holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Sciences in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kasetsart University in Thailand.
In 1999, Mr Tiensin joined the Department of Livestock Development of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Bangkok, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, in particular as Veterinary Officer and Technical Assistant to the Director General, Senior Veterinary Officer, Head of International Livestock Trade and Regulation Group, Senior Expert in International Livestock Affairs and Assistant Director General for International Affairs. From 2002 to 2003, he worked at the Office of Agricultural Affairs, the Mission of Thailand to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. Since 2008, he has held an international consultancy position with FAO, IAEA, EU, and ABD being responsible for Epidemiology, Disease Surveillance, Animal Health, Food Security, Livestock Emergency Response, Risk Analysis, Livelihood Rehabilitation, Dairy Development, International Livestock Trade and SPS Measure in Bangladesh, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand.
Since 2018, Mr Tiensin had been serving as Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Rome-based Agencies (FAO/IFAD/WFP) in the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy based in Rome, Italy. He also served in several FAO Governing Bodies and Committees such as Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), Chair of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), Vice Chair of the FAO Conference and Council, Vice Chair of the Committee of Agriculture (COAG), etc.
Caroline Emond
IDF Governance
Caroline Emond was appointed Director General of the International Dairy Federation in February 2018.
Patricia Stroup
Chief Procurement Officer at Nestlé
R. S. Sodhi
President Indian Dairy Association, Chairman NIFTEM T, Ex Board Member International Dairy Federation
Diarmuid Sheehan
Principle Research Officer at Teagasc
Key dates
ENTRY DATES
The awards will open for entries on 21 February and run until 1 June 2024. Please note, all entries must be received by 14 June 2024.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT
Once all judges have submitted their feedback and scores, all points will be counted and verified. Entrants and finalists will be notified by the end of July.
WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Winners will be announced on 18 October in a Special Plenary Session on innovation at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Paris, France.
Contact
CONTACT
If you have a query about the awards, please get in touch
t +44 (0)1225 327900 e awards@zenithglobal.com
2024 Winners
The winners of the third annual IDF Dairy Innovation Awards were announced today, 18 October, during a Special Plenary Session on Innovation at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris, France.
During this session, videos showcasing the innovative solutions were presented, highlighting the remarkable achievements of the awardees. Those present at the event received their awards in person and shared their acceptance remarks with an audience of esteemed dairy experts and leaders.
Vincenzo Beneveto, Vice President Processing Liquid Food Solutions, Tetra Pak U.S, keynote speaker of the event, delivered some inspiring words to all the winners, finalists, and attendees.
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards is an International Dairy Federation initiative designed to celebrate and encourage innovative practices across the global dairy sector, which was first launched in 2022 in partnership with Zenith Global and supported by headline sponsorship from Tetra Pak.
With a particular focus on Sustainability, both in terms of environmental care and positive social impact, the awards seek to stimulate innovative practices that improve farming and processing of milk and dairy foods.
“Innovation, as we envision it, is all about introducing novel approaches to designing, producing, and marketing goods and services that create positive change. It is the driving force that propels us forward and allows us to remain at the forefront of our field” IDF President, Piercristiano Brazzale, stated. “This innovation must be deeply intertwined with scientific research and knowledge, forging a symbiotic relationship that ensures continual progress”, he concluded.
In this years edition, the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards received a remarkable 153 entries from 25 countries, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm and commitment to showcasing innovation across the global dairy sector. The entries show that the Dairy Sector’s commitment with innovation and sustainability has no boundaries and may be found in every link of the milk and dairying production chain.
The Winners
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Environment
- Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF – AgNav – Ireland. AgNav is the new innovative sustainability platform providing Irish dairy farmers with accurate and verifiable data and supporting decision making on farms to help reduce emissions and enhance water quality. Its overarching objective is to help farmers improve productivity and ensure economic viability, while setting new environmental sustainability standards.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Animal Care
- Amul Dairy – Amul Dairy – India. Amul Dairy has pioneered the use of homeopathic medicine for dairy animals, aiming to combat antimicrobial resistance. Through innovative treatments for 26 common ailments, over 68,000 animals were successfully treated, reducing antibiotic usage and promoting sustainable dairy farming. Till May 2024 Amul has manufactured 3.30 lac homeopathic medicine bottles of 30 ml and distributed 1.80 Lac till May 2024.This holistic approach enhances animal and public health.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Socio Economic
- National Dairy Development Board - Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited – India. Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited, the first all-women organic dairy cooperative in the Sundarbans, empowers over 4,500 marginalized women farmers. By integrating organic dairy production with multi-commodity agriculture, it provides sustainable livelihoods, elevates women's social status, and fosters socio-economic transformation, ensuring prosperity and sustainable development in the region.
Innovation in Sustainable Processing
- Asha Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited - Asha Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited – India. Solar based Instant Milk Chillers – A pathbreaking off grid sustainable initiative for geographies characterised by small holder dairy farmers in the countryside.
Innovation in Sustainable Packaging
- Danone - Actimel removes the plastic sleeve – France. Danone has taken strong commitments towards circular and low-carbon packaging. The Actimel brand embodies this packaging transformation and in 2023, removed the plastic sleeve on its iconic bottle, allowing it to reach 99% recyclability and reduce plastic consumption across EU!
Innovation in New Product Development – Human Nutrition
- Inner Mongolia Dairy Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd - Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk – China. Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk, through technology innovation, has achieved a high retention rate of 90% active lactoferrin in ambient temperature milk, with 8 times the active lactoferrin nutrition, safeguard consumers’ immunity.
Innovation in New Product Development – Equipment
- Unisensor – Aurox System – Belgium. Imagine the ease of a coffee maker, translated to milk antibiotic screening. The aurox combines robotics and lateral flow test tech in an unprecedented simplicity, aiding dairies and truck drivers' workload every day. Its failproof design delivers industry-leading reliability, ready for seamless integration into milk transportation and storage systems.
Innovation in Climate Action
- STgenetics - Ecofeed® - USA. Ecofeed® – Genetics for permanent and cumulative reduction of methane emissions based on more than 25,000 progeny records for feed efficiency. By identifying animals with superior feed efficiency and reduced methane, producers can enhance profitability while promoting a sustainable dairy industry and world for the next generations of farmers and consumers.
Innovation in Women Empowerment
- International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) - Women in Dairy network – USA. IDFA’s Women in Dairy network works to improve recruiting, retention, and gender equality within the U.S. dairy sector through data-based reporting and tools, C-suite engagement, and by fostering networking and professional and leadership development. IDFA also published the 2024 State of Women in Dairy Report, which summarized survey findings and industry-wide recommendations regarding the treatment of women in dairy.
Innovation in Marketing & Communication
- J-milk - J-milk – Japan. In order to combat calcium deficiency in approximately 10 million children, we have launched and implemented about 20 projects in cooperation with stakeholders from the dairy industry, schools and nutritionists. Parents of children who learn about the campaign are 45% more willing to give milk to their children on weekends. It was clear that the work on the project had a positive effect.
2024 Finalists
The finalists for the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Awards have been published today. The winners will be announced on 18 October at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Pairs, France.
The third annual awards are designed to demonstrate the engagement and dynamism of the dairy industry worldwide, offering a unique platform to showcase innovative processes, practices and products that improve efficiency and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards are hosted by the International Dairy Federation in partnership with world-leading food and drinks consultancy Zenith Global, with Headline sponsorship from Tetra Pak – a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions company.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Environment
- Danone - Les 2 Pieds sur Terre – France. Helping French Dairy Farmers Reduce their Greenhouse Gas Emissions and regenerate their soil. The program is accessible to all French dairy farmers partnering with Danone by providing them with technical and financial support to adopt regenerative agriculture helping to reduce their carbon footprint and regenerate their soil.
- Société des Produits, Nestlé S.A. - NINHO celebration packaging – Switzerland. Nature por Ninho, led by Nestlé in partnership with Embrapa, incentivizes and supports dairy farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices and are rewarded based on the number of practices they adopt. The focus is on improving milk quality, animal welfare and water management, along with greenhouse gas emissions reduction in farms.
- Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF – AgNav – Ireland. AgNav is the new innovative sustainability platform providing Irish dairy farmers with accurate and verifiable data and supporting decision making on farms to help reduce emissions and enhance water quality. Its overarching objective is to help farmers improve productivity and ensure economic viability, while setting new environmental sustainability standards.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Animal Care
- Amul Dairy – Amul Dairy – India. Amul Dairy has pioneered the use of homeopathic medicine for dairy animals, aiming to combat antimicrobial resistance. Through innovative treatments for 26 common ailments, over 68,000 animals were successfully treated, reducing antibiotic usage and promoting sustainable dairy farming. Till May 2024 Amul has manufactured 3.30 lac homeopathic medicine bottles of 30 ml and distributed 1.80 Lac till May 2024.This holistic approach enhances animal and public health.
- DeLaval – Disease Risk – Sweden. Disease Risk is a digital application that helps farmers to quickly identify sick cows. DeLaval artificial intelligence model DeepBlue combines all data from all DeLaval sensors into one prediction, giving valuable insights into the health condition of the cows such as mastitis or ketosis.
- Yili Group - Yiniu Youzhi APP – China. “Yiniu Youzhi APP” is an APP for dairy farmers in China to help them improving cow welfare and managing their farm in a digital way. By integrating the different intelligent device and data onto this platform, a harmonious way to governance data and manage farm is created. The data insight function will turn data into insights and tasks for farmers, we deem that as our core competitiveness in the future.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Socio Economic
- Danone – H’Lib Bladi – Morocco. In 2023, Danone Ecosytem, Danone, and GIZ launched Phase 2 of the H’Lib Bladi project (started 2016) in Morocco. H’Lib Bladi promotes sustainable milk production models amongst smallholder dairy farmers, to improve their livelihoods, increase their resilience to climate change, reduce their GHG footprint and overall, strengthen the value chain.
- Meiji - Meiji Dairy Advisory (MDA) – Japan. MDA is an activity that supports “sustainable dairy farm management" by focusing on human resource management on dairy farms. In order to realize sustainable dairy management, this program aims to establish a "KAIZEN culture" in which farmers habitually review their current situation and make improvements, and to enable dairy farmers to be more efficient.
- National Dairy Development Board - Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited – India. Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited, the first all-women organic dairy cooperative in the Sundarbans, empowers over 4,500 marginalized women farmers. By integrating organic dairy production with multi-commodity agriculture, it provides sustainable livelihoods, elevates women's social status, and fosters socio-economic transformation, ensuring prosperity and sustainable development in the region.
Innovation in Sustainable Processing
- Asha Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited - Asha Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited – India. Solar based Instant Milk Chillers – A pathbreaking off grid sustainable initiative for geographies characterised by small holder dairy farmers in the countryside.
- Idaho Milk Products Inc - Idaho Milk Products Inc. – USA. Idaho Milk Products, a global leader in milk proteins, is renowned for its fresh, local, high-quality dairy ingredients. Committed to sustainability, their visionary, vertical integration spans from farm to facility, sourcing milk within an 80km radius of its processing facility. They efficiently create innovative products while minimizing emissions and waste.
- Mengniu x Tetra Pak - Mengniu Ningxia Factory – China. As world's first fully integrated dairy factory, Mengniu Ningxia Digital Factory breaks the information silos between systems by extensively utilizing digital technologies, big data analysis, and AI scenarios in physical operations. The project provides a vision on leveraging digital transformation to achieve optimized operations, enhanced efficiency and reduce environment impact.
Innovation in Sustainable Packaging
- CowPots – CowPots – USA. CowPots Packaging, made from 100% renewable and recycled, composted cow manure, offers 100% bio-degradable packaging as an alternative to fiberboard. This packaging is designed to be composted and/or planted directly into the end user’s garden where it adds valuable nutrients and organic matter, breaking down in a single growing season.
- Danone - Actimel removes the plastic sleeve – France. Danone has taken strong commitments towards circular and low-carbon packaging. The Actimel brand embodies this packaging transformation and in 2023, removed the plastic sleeve on its iconic bottle, allowing it to reach 99% recyclability and reduce plastic consumption across EU!
- Nestle China - Plastic-free tin packaging – China. Our sustainable packaging aligns with industry practices, giving us a competitive edge. It meets consumer expectations, attracts new customers, and drives growth. By leading in sustainability, we contribute to a healthier planet and ensure long-term success.
The jury is granting a special mention to Yili Group for three impactful innovative packaging entries. 1- Phase Separation Technology High Barrier PET Dairy Packaging, 2- Satine Organic Pure Milk- sustainable packaging – plant-based integrated box, 3- Yili Eco-Friendly Asian Games Pure Milk.
Innovation in New Product Development – Human Nutrition
- Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. - Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. – India. Amul, has launched world’s highest protein milk having 35g protein in a 250ml pack and a wide range of high protein products to meet the protein needs of Indians. Over 73% urban rich Indians are protein deficient, and 90% Indians are unaware of their protein requirements so Amul’s affordable high protein products will help Indians to meet their protein requirements.
- GoodSport® – GoodSport® – USA. GoodSport® is a natural sports drink that’s been scientifically shown to provide rapid and long-lasting hydration by harnessing the electrolytes and carbohydrates found in milk. With 3x the electrolytes and 33% less sugar than traditional sports drinks, GoodSport® delivers milk’s superior hydration benefits in a clear, refreshing beverage.
- Inner Mongolia Dairy Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd - Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk – China. Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk, through technology innovation, has achieved a high retention rate of 90% active lactoferrin in ambient temperature milk, with 8 times the active lactoferrin nutrition, safeguard consumers’ immunity.
- mandu-care GmbH – mandu-care GmbH – Germany. Our product is a fermented and prebiotic whey drink, especially designed to prevent constipation and support gut-health in general. Based on a patented production process, it offers a convenient, sustainable and tasty solution. The science backed efficiency supports affected people and leads the dairy industry towards a more circular approach.
Innovation in New Product Development – Equipment
- Everest Instruments Pvt. Ltd. – FatScan – India. The FatScan milk analyser is a powerful tool that can be used to accurately measure the key parameters of milk samples, including fat, non-fat, and added water. The FatScan milk analyser is also a powerful tool that can be used to improve the quality, safety, and affordability of milk.
- THRASOS – THRASOS – France. Thrasos is a SaaSlike platform that optimize food safety and cleaning operations within food industries thanks to 2 major innovation: 1/unique algorithme that generate automatic optimized cleaning program for each process line 2/fouling-cleaning modelization module that enables to define the optimal cleaning time based on scientific approach.
- Unisensor – Aurox System – Belgium. Imagine the ease of a coffee maker, translated to milk antibiotic screening. The aurox combines robotics and lateral flow test tech in an unprecedented simplicity, aiding dairies and truck drivers' workload every day. Its failproof design delivers industry-leading reliability, ready for seamless integration into milk transportation and storage systems.
Innovation in Climate Action
- dsm-firmenich - Bovaer® - Switzerland. Bovaer® is a revolutionary feed additive innovation that reduces methane emissions from dairy cattle by 30% lowering carbon footprint of dairy products by 10-15%. Available in 59 countries, it support global climate targets, the Global Methane Pledge, SBTi FLAG commitments and the Sustainable Dairy’s path to net zero.
- STgenetics - Ecofeed® - USA. Ecofeed® – Genetics for permanent and cumulative reduction of methane emissions based on more than 25,000 progeny records for feed efficiency. By identifying animals with superior feed efficiency and reduced methane, producers can enhance profitability while promoting a sustainable dairy industry and world for the next generations of farmers and consumers.
- Yili Group - Green and low-carbon energy management – China. Throughout the project, we reviewed traditional energy supply processes and identified points where alternatives, iterations, upgrades, and innovations were possible. We then combined these with the latest green, low-carbon, and sustainable development technologies, processes, and methods to break through the barriers of traditional thinking and uncover new directions for green, low-carbon, and sustainable development.
Innovation in Women Empowerment
- International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) - Women in Dairy network – USA. IDFA’s Women in Dairy network works to improve recruiting, retention, and gender equality within the U.S. dairy sector through data-based reporting and tools, C-suite engagement, and by fostering networking and professional and leadership development. IDFA also published the 2024 State of Women in Dairy Report, which summarized survey findings and industry-wide recommendations regarding the treatment of women in dairy
- Mengniu Group - Empowering Women with Functional Nutrition Stimulating Dairy Products with 'Her Power' – China. Mengniu is committed to comprehensively upholding women's rights and supporting the healthy development of the Chinese women's football team, ensuring the well-being and career growth of 17,000 female employees, continuously inspiring more women to advance courageously, and paying tribute to their strength.
- Vansh Dairy Farm - Ajarpura Dairy Cooperative Society – India. At Ajarpura Dairy Cooperative Society the community connect and trust upon the Dairy Cooperative Society has been leveraged to empower women dairy farmers by providing diversified livelihood opportunities and skill enhancement. Through trainings in dairy practices, animal productivity, and value-added product creation incomes have been boosted. Additionally, beekeeping and retail outlets have been established, showcasing and selling handmade products.
Innovation in Marketing & Communication
- Dairy Farmers of Canada - Biodiversity Is In Our Nature – Canada. Dairy Farmers of Canada developed its “Biodiversity Is In Our Nature” marketing campaign to give consumers an inside look into actual sustainability practices dairy farmers are implementing as part of their environmental stewardship efforts towards the sector’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- J-milk - J-milk – Japan. In order to combat calcium deficiency in approximately 10 million children, we have launched and implemented about 20 projects in cooperation with stakeholders from the dairy industry, schools and nutritionists. Parents of children who learn about the campaign are 45% more willing to give milk to their children on weekends. It was clear that the work on the project had a positive effect.
- Yili Group - Sports Marketing Initiated by Cute Star Formula – China. Cute Star children formula children formula is driven by " exclusive accurate marketing strategy for channel segments", leading the creation of binding sports marketing strategy with public welfare activities to help Chinese children's overall healthy growth.
