MILWAUKEE, WIS. – More than 4,000 cheese industry leaders, suppliers, marketers and more are expected to descend upon Milwaukee from April 12-14, when the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) host the first CheeseExpo since 2018.
The WCMA and CDR anticipate the 2022 CheeseExpo, the largest cheese and whey processing expo in the US, will be the most extensive yet, with upwards of 600 industry supplier and processor booths set to cover the sold-out exhibit floor at the Wisconsin Center.
To accompany the largescale event, CheeseExpo organizers increased the amount of industry education seminars and workshops that will be available, as well, as the industry’s stakeholders convene to share details on the latest in cheese technology, products, whey opportunities, product safety, marketing and more.
CheeseExpo brings in CEOs, marketers, plant managers and researchers and developers from throughout the US, with a comprehensive focus on cheese and whey products.
“WCMA is proud to partner with the Center for Dairy Research to host a platform for dairy industry professionals to learn and connect,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA’s executive director. “Only at CheeseExpo will you find world-class educational seminars, exclusive technical exhibits, and global networking opportunities all in one event. After the success of CheeseExpo Global Online in 2021, we’re looking forward to an in-person expo in 2022.”
Morning seminar sessions on April 13 and 14 will feature insights from experts who work for the Innovation Center for US Dairy, US Dairy Export Council and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW). Plus, afternoons are open for attendees to check out the rolling exhibit floor to learn more about the latest in dairy processing and packaging equipment, automation, ingredients, software and services, among other topics.
Schedule
On April 13, the RELCO Opening Keynote will come from Krysta Harden, president and chief executive officer of the US Dairy Export Council. A panel of industry executives will discuss how US dairy processors can find more avenues to advance international sales and sustainability efforts.
The final day of CheeseExpo 2022 opens with the WCMA Recognition Breakfast, exclusively sponsored by DSM Food Specialties, as industry leaders are recognized and applauded for outstanding careers.
Educational seminars will follow main sessions, including:
• Cheese and whey export seminar with US Dairy Export Council staff
• The Innovation Center for US Dairy partners with CDR to discuss dairy product safety and sanitation
• WCMA focuses on a key concern among processors: recruiting and retaining an effective workforce
• WCMA and CDR team up for a workshop on creating an effective cheese grading program at manufacturing sites
The three-day CheeseExpo, which highlights innovative cheesemaking equipment, business insight and more, also offers a networking event for young professionals on April 12, a Chr. Hansen reception and championship cheese auction on April 13 and a world champions award banquet on April 14.
“The focus of CheeseExpo is to share timely information, spark new innovation and build lasting connections across the dairy processing industry,” said Judy Keller, WCMA events director.
