The cheese and dairy industry stands at a crossroads. Pressures from sustainability legislation, supply chain volatility, and consumer behaviour shifts are reshaping the market at pace. At the same time, innovation, provenance, and craftsmanship are opening new avenues for growth. Against this backdrop, the International Cheese & Dairy EXPO (ICDEX) will return on 24–25 June 2026 with a new theme: Dairy Connect – Connecting Dairy’s Future.  This theme signals a fresh commitment: to create the most comprehensive, collaborative, and commercially relevant event for the global dairy sector. Building on the prestige of the International Cheese & Dairy Awards (ICDA), ICDEX 2026 will unite retail, foodservice, artisan, and technical audiences under one roof – offering clarity of focus while strengthening the sense of community that makes the industry unique.

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As sustainability becomes a business necessity, WZ Packaging is emerging as a key player in dairy packaging. Based in Telford, UK, the company has long been a trusted partner for top global brands, offering high-quality, eco-friendly flexible packaging solutions that protect both products and the planet. With decades of experience, particularly in aluminium foil conversion, WZ Packaging is at the forefront of creating environmentally responsible packaging materials to meet the dairy industry's growing sustainability demands. A Legacy in Aluminium Foil Packaging WZ Packaging has led the way in aluminium foil conversion for over 50 years. Aluminium’s excellent barrier properties make it ideal for dairy products like butter, cheese, and yoghurt, protecting them from light, air, and moisture. As consumers increasingly value sustainability, WZ Packaging’s experience with foil packaging supports the industry’s shift towards greener solutions. “Aluminium foil offers exceptional protection, even in very thin layers, reducing the need for secondary packaging,” explains Amanda Willepotte, Senior Business Development Manager at WZ Packaging. “It’s a sustainable, protective solution ideal for the dairy industry.” The Enviro Ultra-Laminates Range A major innovation is the Enviro Ultra-Laminates Range, designed with sustainability in mind. The range uses ultra-thin layers of aluminium foil, BOPP, and PET films, creating a lightweight solution that reduces packaging waste. “The goal was to create packaging that meets rigorous recycling standards while offering the necessary protection for dairy products,” says Willepotte. “By using paper from 10gsm and aluminium foil from 5 microns, we’ve reduced material usage without sacrificing performance.” The Enviro range stands out for its recyclability. Its combination of ultra-thin layers ensures it meets current recycling standards, making it an eco-friendly choice for items like butter wraps and cheese foils. By minimising material use and maintaining product integrity, WZ Packaging leads the push for more responsible packaging in the dairy sector.

By The Dairy Mail Team There was a strong sense of celebration – and a touch of healthy rivalry – at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards , held in June at the Staffordshire County Showground. As ever, the competition brought together the best in British and international dairy, with thousands of entries submitted across cheese and dairy categories. In a year that saw standards higher than ever, it was Belton Farm who claimed the top accolade of Supreme Champion Cheese , sponsored by Novonesis – a testament to their enduring quality, craft and consistency. Close behind was the respected Dewlay Cheesemakers , who were named Reserve Champion Cheese. In the non-cheese category, Lancashire Farm Dairies scooped the title of Supreme Champion Dairy Product , sponsored by IFF, recognising the business’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence in cultured dairy.

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As February unfolds, the International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA) and EXPO 2025 are rapidly taking shape, promising a stellar program of industry insights, competitive cheese classes, and invaluable networking. For those keen to secure their place early, SDT dinner tickets are available now for those seeking an evening of professional camaraderie, as are trade stand reservations for anyone wishing to exhibit during our two-day trade show, please contact Debbie to enquire about these spaces via debbie@internationalcheesedairyexpo.com . Free trade tickets, ensuring easy and cost-free access, are now open for registration, visit the EXPO website to register. Tickets will be released later this month for a networking lunch sponsored by Fairfield Foods, offering another chance to connect with fellow professionals. Come March, entries officially open for the ICDA Awards, inviting producers to present their finest work and gain international acclaim. Adding to this momentum, ICDA is introducing a brand-new free networking event in the EXPO Lounge from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, sponsored by Fayrefield Foods, providing the perfect opportunity to mix and mingle in a relaxed setting. Finally, in our upcoming newsletter, we’ll unveil an innovative awards presentation format- designed to elevate this year’s celebrations and enhance the overall experience. There’s plenty to look forward to, so watch this space for more updates as June draws near.

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