The competition emphasizes value-added dairy innovation.

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

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

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.

Organizers said the Real California Milk Excelerator highlights dairy’s versatility across categories.

Innovation is taking place across the dairy products industry, in the refrigerator, freezer and even the ambient aisles.

This year's cohort winners are dosa by DOSA, Pariva, Tres Lecheria and Wheyward Spirit.

Spylt received $150,000 that will go toward scaling its chocolate milk products in the market.

The program looks to identify, curate and accelerate dairy-based products.