The competition emphasizes value-added dairy innovation.

Eight companies with health and wellness products will vie for $500,000.

Products featuring the Real California Milk seal totaled 31 honors.

The Real California Milk Excelerator competition is in its sixth year.

This year's show is slated for June 9-11 in Houston.

The conference focuses on exploring innovations in dairy production and understanding sustainable practices.

CMAB and cheese shop Lady & Larder are behind the California Cheese Wreath Kit.

Winners receive $30,000 in resources and funding to scale their products.

The organization shared that this year’s cohort represents themes of global flavors, functional benefits and sustainability.

Programs that boost startups offer a cost-effective way to tap into the industry’s most likely future trends.