ROSEMONT, Ill. – The ninth annual National Dairy Council (NDC) New Product Competition seeks the next innovative dairy product from college students across the United States and Canada.

 The competition provides a platform for students to bring their knowledge and expertise to dairy product innovation that aligns with current industry and consumer insights. The 2020 competition seeks to uncover ways that connect dairy to consumers’ desire to eat more plant-based foods.

According to Mintel research, 83 percent of U.S. consumers are adding more plant-based foods to their diets. Researchers from the Hartman Group also found that consumers are interested in including options that feature the combined health benefits of dairy and plants.

A judging panel consisting of experts from across the dairy industry will award $16,000 in cash prizes: $8,000 (first place), $5,000 (second) and $3,000 (third). Winning teams will be recognized at the American Dairy Science Association’s 2020 annual meeting.

Deadline to enter is Jan. 13, 2020. Full contest details can be found here. For more information, contact Rohit Kapoor at NDC (rohit.kapoor@dairy.org).