ROSEMONT, Ill. – Dairy Management Inc. announced the dairy checkoff’s upcoming innovation competition will target dairy-based products that come with calming benefits.

The DMI New Product Competition, which is now accepting applications, is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the US.

DMI cited consumers’ interest in mental and emotional wellbeing, the projected growth associated with products that calm and the interest of Gen Z consumers in such products as the inspiration for this year’s contest.

The checkoff developed the competition to give students opportunities to display their knowledge through dairy product innovation. A judging panel of dairy industry experts will determine the winning product. The first-place team receives $8,000, while second place gets $5,000 and third place collects $3,000.

Per DMI, successful entries will meet this year’s criteria, demonstrate innovation and bring value to consumers. The application deadline is Jan. 16, 2023. More information is available online at the US Dairy website. People interested in entering also may contact DMI’s Rohit Kapoor via email at rohit.kapoor@dairy.org for further details. 

Previously known as the National Dairy Council New Product Competition, an energy drink called Moba Boba developed by Utah State University students won the contest in 2022.