California Dairy Fuels Next-Gen Innovation

Big news out of California’s dairy world! The California Milk Advisory Board, working alongside VentureFuel, has announced the 14 companies chosen for this year’s Real California Milk Excelerator and Incubator programs. Now in its seventh year, the program has grown into two tracks, the Excelerator for more established brands, and an Incubator for those just getting started, all focused on pushing dairy innovation forward.

According to the California Milk Advisory Board, these companies are using real dairy to meet today’s consumer demand for high protein, clean labels, sustainability, and of course, indulgent flavor. You’ll see everything from farm-to-scoop ice cream and protein-rich milks to collagen creamers and probiotic yogurts.

As CMAB CEO Bob Carroll put it, “This year’s cohort represents exactly what today’s consumers are looking for — products that deliver wellness, indulgence, and sustainability.” The program wraps up in December with a pitch event in Napa, where top finalists will compete for marketing support and a $100,000 grand prize.

It’s all part of California’s ongoing effort to keep dairy innovation strong and profitable.

For more, visit https://www.californiadairypressroom.com/Press_Releases/real-california-milk-excelerator-launches-2025-cohort-products-tackling-consumer