Since before the days of the milkman, milk from cows has reigned supreme in this country. But just as milkmen no longer leave bottles at the door, there are new “milks” on the block.
Among the most popular of these milk alternatives is almond milk. Rich in Vitamin E and enriched Vitamin D, it is a healthy alternative.
Leading that industry is Blue Diamond Growers, the leading manufacturer of almond milk, according to
Statista. Its headquarters is in Sacramento. The company exclusively works with growing and producing almond products.
Almond milk has found a niche with many vegans, keto dieters and health food enthusiasts. The
industry does not appear to be slowing down, despite attempts to legislate whether alternatives to milk
can label themselves as “milk.”
According to a recent study by Mintrel, sales of these milk alternatives have grown 61 percent since
2012. All while large dairy seems to be losing its footing, giving small farms a chance to leap ahead.
According to the same Mintrel report, 1 in 5 Americans is decreasing their milk intake for health
reasons.
Despite the changing times, California remains the nation’s No. 1 dairy producer. The industry ranges from large scale operations to specialty cheese farms.
Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Co. is one of many North State specialty farms. Located in Orland for 20 years, its products can be found at many local shops. The Pedrozos also set up a booth at the Saturday morning farmers market in Chico.
Tom Pedrozo says he is not bothered by milk substitutes on the market. Milk is lactation, not a type of drink.
"Milk is a natural ingredient, its own thing." Pedrozo says.
"Milk is a natural ingredient, its own thing." Pedrozo says.
He is not alone in his opinion. U.S Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, also says milk is its own substance and products without dairy being marketing under the milk name are inaccurate. She introduced a law in January 2017 that would prohibit milk alternative producers to use words such as “milk” on their labels.
This year, the FDA announced it will take steps to ban these companies from using words such as “yogurt” and “cheese” as well.
Pedrozo Farms is a small family run operation with a 30 head herd. Its specialty cheese market is under no threat from the milk substitute industry.
Pedrozo Farms is a small family run operation with a 30 head herd. Its specialty cheese market is under no threat from the milk substitute industry.
“It’s not going to affect our business model,” Pedrozo says of the FDAs plans against the word "milk" on nondairy products.
Studies of the long term effects of alternative milks on the dairy industry are only just beginning.
The future is ultimately up to the consumers who vote with their purchases.
The future is ultimately up to the consumers who vote with their purchases.
-- Rachael Bayuk
