This month we have Shelley McMillan, Trend and Innovation Consultant at Mintel, sharing insights into the next horizon of clean label trends.

Feature commentary from Ben Jeckel, Managing Director/Dairy Consultancy and Intelligence at Blimling, providing insight into the evolving world of protein.

Feature commentary from Michael Dykes, the President and CEO of the US International Dairy Foods Association, on the continued speculation around the future of the NAFTA and the broader role of the USA in the international trade.

Feature commentary from NZMP Chief Operating Officer Kelvin Wickham on the idea of health as the new wealth and dairy’s role to play in this.

Director of NZMP Marketing, Gillian Munnik, provides insight on some of the changes in the Global Dairy Industry over 2017, with key callouts for the coming year.

The clean label movement continues to evolve. The next wave of clean label products will need to go a step further to prove claims are truthful, challenging manufacturers and retailers to democratise transparency and traceability.

Growing consumer interest in healthy lifestyles and diets is driving increased popularity of protein. This presents new opportunities for dairy companies that are actively responding to this needs to these new users.

We have been reading up on the latest consumer trends for 2018 and have summarised into the top 5 trends you need to be aware of.

Today's digitally savvy consumers are taking their personal wellbeing into their own hands. The growing belief that diet cannot be "one size fits all" is gaining ground and expected to continue driving consumer demand across the food and beverage sector.

Life expectancy is dramatically increasing around the globe, on average of 11 years longer for men and 12 years for women compared to 40 years ago. Following a healthy diet is key to healthy ageing and this brings opportunities for dairy products to leverage the natural nutritional values in milk.

Want to understand the different stages of growth and development in early childhood, and the nutrition required to support this?

Dairy protein can help support weight and muscle management by providing a high quality source of satiating protein that can stimulate metabolism, and promote the retention and growth of muscle when consumed alongside an exercise program.

We have a requirement for high quality proteins in our diet. Protein from dairy sources is an excellent product to meet our essential amino acid requirements, especially for those interested in exercise, healthy lifestyles, and ageing well.

Dairy protein can help support weight management by providing a satiating high quality source of protein, helping with appetite control whether you are interested in maintaining or reducing weight, as well as supporting sustained energy levels throughout the day.

Dairy protein is a high quality complete protein available in varying formats that provide high levels of all the essential amino acids. A diet rich in dairy protein, in combination with a resistance training programme, optimises lean muscle gain and provides body composition benefits.