California Milk Advisory Board Names Finalists for Real California Milk Excelerator; John Talbot Comments

Advancing innovation in the dairy industry is the name of the game for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). In partnership with VentureFuel, the association recently announced the eight finalists to take part in the 6^th Real California Milk Excelerator during the program's kick-off in Davis, California.

"The Real California Milk Excelerator continues to push the boundaries of dairy innovation, and this year's focus on health and wellness is particularly exciting," John Talbot, Chief Executive Officer, said. "We are committed to supporting these startups as they develop and bring their health-focused innovations to market."

This year's competition, centered on health and wellness, focuses on harnessing the nutritional benefits of real dairy.

According to a press release, the cohort includes:

• Smearcase – The first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen
• Stellify/Insymmetry – A low-calorie, functional, dairy-based energy and wellness shot made with reduced-fat lactose-free milk
• Drink Todo – A high protein, high fiber breakfast smoothie designed to provide a convenient and nutritious solution for busy lifestyles
• Voyager Milk – The only USDA organic whole milk for toddlers, produced in a convenient stick-pack format
• Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. – Curd Cup is a premium 6 oz single serving cottage cheese with global savory flavors
• Pluff – A high-protein dessert primarily made from a combination of Greek yogurt, heavy cream, cottage cheese, and whey protein blended and whipped together
• Projo – An instant coffee blend of organic Arabica coffee, marine collagen, organic coffee fruit extract, digestive enzymes, and 100 percent whole milk
• TruJoy Yogurt – An elevated frozen Greek yogurt made with simple, natural, and timeless ingredients

In addition to a cash stipend, participants will gain access to a program of elite mentorship. This year's program will culminate with the "Future of Dairy Expo" on November 14. The event will close with the RCM Excelerator Final Pitch Event and finalist selection where a panel of judges will award up to $500,000 worth of total value prizing.

In addition to the primary cohort, this year the Excelerator has expanded to include an incubator designed to foster the development of early-stage and student-led dairy innovations. Seven companies will join the inaugural incubator cohort.

Best of luck to all of the participants!