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The Future Of Dairy Expo featuring The Real California Milk Excelerator: Health & Wellness Final Pitch Event

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, we have an exclusive look at the future of the dairy category, meet with startups rethinking milk, and hear from the experts on which segments will drive growth and profitability for this important category. 

Event Highlights:

Hear from thought leaders on the future of the dairy category
Learn about critical consumer trends reshaping the industry
Try innovative food & beverage products leveraging the latest food science
Learn about startups driving dairy innovation
Speakers
Lauren Twiggie
Bob Carroll
Veronique Lagrange
Frank La
Meghan OLeary
Elizabeth Crawford-2
John Talbot
Donna Berry
Fred Schonenberg
Patrycja Kotowska
Speakers
Lauren Twiggie
Bob Carroll
Veronique Lagrange
Frank La
Meghan OLeary
Elizabeth Crawford-2
John Talbot
Donna Berry
Fred Schonenberg
Patrycja Kotowska

AGENDA:

12:00pm  | REGISTRATION, ARRIVAL, LUNCH & NETWORKING

12:30pm | KEYNOTE: The Future of Health and Wellness in DAIRY

Explore the future of health and wellness in dairy, driven by dairy’s natural functional benefits; and the opportunity for more dairy-based innovation in this rapidly growing segment and category.

Featuring: Lauren Twigge, Media Dietician & Founder of Lauren Twigge Nutrition

Lauren Twigge MCN, RDN, LD is a Dallas based registered dietitian and a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert with recipes and quotes featured on platforms including Eat This Not That, Real Simple, and The Every Girl. With her unique combination of Animal Science and Clinical Nutrition degrees coupled with her childhood spent in commercial agriculture, Lauren has a unique perspective on where our food comes from and how it impacts our health, a perspective she aims to share through her work as a registered dietitian.

1:00 - 4:00pm  | EXPO HALL OPEN

Sample 20+ dairy based food and beverage innovations including products from the Grand Prize Finalists, the 2024 Excelerator and incubator cohorts and program alumni.

1:30pm | Panel 1: The Opportunity for Lactose-Free Milk in the Marketplace

Join us for a discussion about lactose-free milk and the commercial opportunity to regain lost share from plant-based beverages in key occasions like the coffee occasion; and in key channels like coffee shops – by emphasizing the functional superiority of real milk to alternatives

Moderated by: Bob Carroll, Vice President of Business Development, California Milk Advisory Board

Featuring: Veronique Lagrange, Director, California Dairy Innovation Center; Frank La, Be Bright Coffee; and Meghan O'Leary, Vice President, Innovation & Partnerships

2:30pm | Fireside Chat: The Future of Dairy: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

A discussion between industry leaders on how traditional dairy practices can coexist with modern innovations, including technology in dairy farming and processing.

Featuring: John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board; and Fred Schonenberg, Founder & CEO, VentureFuel

3:30pm | Panel 2: Health Trends and Consumer Preferences in Dairy

The latest health trends influencing consumer choices, such as lactose-free products, and the demand for transparency in sourcing and production.

Moderated by: Fred Schonenberg, Founder & CEO, VentureFuel

Featuring: Donna Berry, Editor, Consultant and Food Guru, Dairy & Food Communications, Inc.; John Crawford, SVP, Client Insights - Dairy, Circana; and Patryjca Kotowska, Category Strategy Manager, Sprouts Brand, Sprouts Farmers Market 

4:30pm | RECEPTION & Networking

Join us for an hour of food, drinks and networking prior to this year's pitch competition. 

5:30pm | Pitch Competition

Watch the 2024 Health & Wellness cohort pitch their innovative products! and witness as this year's Grand Prize Winner is announced! 

Meet this years Cohort
Pluff
A fluffy protein dessert that merges indulgence with high nutritional value.
 
Represented by:
Dylan Paul, Founder
 
Projo
Instant coffee blend infused with dairy and collagen for wellness benefits.
 
Represented by:
Charbel Mawad, Founder & CEO
 
Smearcase
Cottage-cheese-based ice cream offering a healthy twist on a classic dessert.
 
Represented by:
Joe Rotondo, Founder & CEO
 
Stellify
Dairy-based energy and wellness shot for an extra boost!
 
Represented by:
Rachel Cua, Founder & CEO
drink todo
Meal replacement shake designed for balanced nutrition and convenience.
 
Represented by:
Niket Soni, Founder
Trujoy Yogurt
Frozen Greek Yogurt packed with protein & probiotics for a healthful indulgence!
 
Represented by:
Charlie Gentry, Founder
Voyager Milk
Powdered milk for toddlers, ensuring essential nutrients for growing children.
 
Represented by:
Alexandra Bertholet, Co-Founder/CMO
Meet this years Finalist
Amazing Ice Cream
Company behind Cookie Wild, a cookie wafer ice cream bar novelty enrobed in chocolate to stay crunchy.
 
Represented by:
Donald Anit, Founder
Arbo's Cheese Dip
Gluten-free, keto-friendly queso-style cheese dips for retail.
 
Represented by:
Andrew Arbogast, Founder & CEO
Petit Pot
French-style dairy desserts in paper-based cups made with >80% stainable/renewable fiber.
 
Represented by:
Maxime Pouvreau, Founder
 
The Empanada Shop
Empanadas combining golden, flaky crust, creamy, melted cheese and a fusion of Latin American tradition and California flavors for retail and foodservice.
 
Represented by:
Ruben Frias, Co-Founder
Incubator Cohort
Buff Moo
A premium protein ice cream brand designed specifically for athletes, gym-goers, and anyone focused on high-protein nutrition.
 
Represented by:
Caiden Johnson, Founder
 
Joelato
Authentic Italian gelato made with 100% natural and highest quality ingredients to create luscious texture and intense flavors.
 
Represented by:
Joe Shea, Founder
Mighty Smooth
A line of protein-packed, nutritious yogurts made with 100% real fruit, no added sugars, and live active cultures for a wholesome boost.
 
Represented by:
David Garcia, Founder
 
Moove Hydration
Sports drink made with just seven ingredients, featuring milk permeate — a natural byproduct of dairy ultrafiltration — for optimal hydration.
 
Represented by:
Marielle Thomas, Founder
 
Sauce Plus
A flavorful, protein-rich, and low-calorie refrigerated ranch dressing and dip — bringing healthier choices and great taste to fridges across America.
 
Represented by:
Wesley Haslett and Tobias Lawson, Co-Founders
Meet the Judges
John Talbot
Noel Rosa
Donna Berry
John Crawford
Patrycja Kotowska
Chad Coester
Carmen C. Licon-Cano
Elizabeth Crawford
Meet the Judges
John Talbot
Noel Rosa
Donna Berry
John Crawford
Patrycja Kotowska
Chad Coester
Carmen C. Licon-Cano
Elizabeth Crawford
Meet this years Mentors
Alison Smith
Jessie Melincoff
Karin Samelson
Blake Rhodes-1
David Clark
Emma Steele
Ben Yee
Jarett Margolis
Travis Cano
Denise Webster
Dr. Esther Zeledon
Jenn Rosenthal
Michael Freeman
Samatha Petrossi
Montse Barrena
Andrew Arbogast-1
Max Pouvreau
Ruben Frias

EXHIBITORS

Explore, taste, and test the latest dairy-based products and services presented by innovative companies pushing the boundaries of the industry. 

Amazing Ice Cream
CMAB
BuffMoo
Sauce Plus
Joelato
The Empanada Shop
TruJoy Yogurt
Stellify
CDIC
Voyager Milk
VentureFuel
Mighty Smooth
Pluff Protein
Moove Hydration
Petit Pot
Smearcase
Projo
Drink Todo
Cheese Bits
Arbos

Brought to you by

Real California Milk Seal
VentureFuel

Have questions? Email us at RealCaliforniaMilk@venturefuel.net