TRACY, CA
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) is kicking off 2025 with an exciting lineup of short courses and events designed to support processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students in the dairy industry. The newly released schedule includes a variety of training opportunities and conferences, all of which are open to participants without prerequisites and will take place at locations across California.
As stated in the press release, the 2025 program series aims to provide hands-on learning, industry insights, and innovative approaches to dairy processing, packaging, and product development. The courses are designed to cater to a wide range of participants, from entry-level professionals to seasoned experts, offering valuable tools and knowledge to advance their skills in the dairy sector.
The schedule includes the following events:
- Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference – February 18-20, 2025 – Cliffs Resort & Spa, Shell Beach, Calif.
In collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Coast Coalition, this conference will highlight advancements in dairy product innovation. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in the dairy marketplace, processing, packaging, and marketing, as shared by industry leaders and entrepreneurs. - Buttermaking & Milk Fat Fundamentals – March 19, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
This one-day course will combine lectures and hands-on learning, focusing on buttermaking processes and milk fat technology. Innovation in the sector will also be featured alongside fundamental training. - Dairy Products & Processing 201 – May 1, 2025 – Petaluma area, Calif. A one-day introduction to processes used to formulate dairy products, with in-depth review of regulations, packaging and claims. This is a free program open to all California-based processors, academia and supply chain partners. Registration will be posted here.
- Frozen Desserts – May 20-21, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
This two-day course will offer a deep dive into frozen dessert formulations, featuring hands-on pilot plant demonstrations and prototyping. Topics will include innovative products such as no-sugar-added options, high-protein desserts, cottage cheese ice cream, “boozy” frozen desserts, and ethnic flavors. - R&D Best Practices – August 19-21, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
A three-day program focused on research and development best practices for dairy products. This course is ideal for QA, R&D, and operations professionals at the entry and junior levels. - Exploring Cooking & Acid-Set Cheeses – October 7-8, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
This two-day workshop will focus on hands-on cheesemaking, specifically acid-set cheeses and their culinary applications. The program will explore a variety of fresh and global cheeses, such as fromage frais and paneer, used in food service and processed food applications.
For more information and registration details, click here. With a focus on innovation and skill-building, the CDIC’s 2025 program is set to empower the next generation of dairy professionals.
