Strategic takeaways shaping what comes next

The cheese and dairy sector enters 2026 with a renewed sense of urgency. Retailers are tightening ranges, foodservice operators are recalibrating menus, and producers are navigating the dual pressures of inflation and sustainability compliance. Against this backdrop, the International Cheese & Dairy EXPO (ICDEX), alongside the world-renowned International Cheese & Dairy Awards (ICDA), stands out as a decisive moment for the industry. The event returns to Stafford on 24–25 June 2026 , bringing together the full value chain at a time when clarity, visibility and commercial momentum are essential.

A Platform with Purpose  Dairy Connect Ireland has been created to bring the sector together at a moment when alignment matters more than ever. Its mission is straightforward: to provide a forum where the future of Irish dairy can be shaped collectively rather than in isolated pockets. The April event will set the tone. It will gather producers and decision-makers for a programme of insight-led sessions, technical discussions, curated tastings and practical workshops. It is designed not as a conference, but as a working platform—a space where commercial strategy meets sector-wide ambition. The intention is to highlight the depth of Irish capability while giving businesses the tools and relationships needed to navigate the years ahead.

British artisan cheesemonger cheesegeek has partnered with Big Potato Games to launch ‘The Robin’ - a new festive cheese and games gift box - in time for gifting and hosting season, as it seeks to get more consumers engaged with the speciality cheese sector. The box combines a selection of award-winning British cheeses - including Yoredale, Lincolnshire Red, Keen’s Extra Mature Cheddar, Rollright and Long Clawson Stilton - with one of three party games from Big Potato Games: Herd Mentality, P for Pizza or Tilt ‘n’ Shout. cheesegeek’s founder Edward Hancock said: “The Robin brings together two great British traditions - artisan cheese and playful games - offering a unique, experiential product for gifting or hosting this festive season. “It also, importantly, is another step towards bringing artisan cheese to more people up and down the country, whilst continuing to support independent British cheesemakers.” Edward added that The Robin is “the ultimate recipe for holiday fun”, combining a selection of cheesegeek’s deliciously moreish cheeses with laugh-out-loud party games to bring consumers together for an evening of “laughter, questionable tactics and the kind of light-hearted chaos that only happens at Christmas”. The Robin is available to order directly from cheesegeek’s website now, with the price starting from £48.

We're thrilled to announce that our Traditional Alpencheddar has just taken home Gold at the ICDA 2025!

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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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