MADISON, WIS. – Wisconsin dairy companies in search of assistance with exporting their products may apply to enter a Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) consultation program. 

Back for its second year, WCMA’s dairy export consultation program was developed to help processors learn how to manage the technicalities that come with international exporting. WCMA said the program also helps companies learn how to best market products in new countries and grow sales abroad.

WCMA shared that it is accepting applications for the 2024 program on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. The trade association said applicants are not required to be WCMA members and successful applicants will be awarded consulting hours on a first-come, first-served basis.

Customized coaching will come from an experienced global dairy professional, Jacqueline Cook, of Cook Alpine Ltd., WCMA said. She has spent 18 years involved with exporting dairy products. Through the WCMA program, Cook will consult dairy businesses on such topics as improving their products, packaging, marketing, sales or distribution for foreign markets, as well as complying with export standards.

Cook also will coordinate product sampling and demo programs in targeted foreign markets with businesses participating in the program.

During its first year offered, the export consultation program served 12 Wisconsin dairy companies and cooperatives, WCMA shared.

"Wisconsin’s dairy processors are primed for substantial international growth,” said WCMA executive director John Umhoefer. “This investment empowers WCMA to further extend our extensive resources, helping Wisconsin’s dairy manufacturers engage more consumers around the world.”

A grant from the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection funds WCMA’s export consultation program.

Further details and a one-page application are posted online at the WCMA website.