USDEC showcases American dairy innovation to Ghanaian industry leaders

GHANA – The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has hosted a landmark event, introducing Ghanaian food industry leaders and importers to the depth, quality, and innovation of the American dairy portfolio.

Led by industry experts, the presentation highlighted the United States’ position as one of the world’s largest single-country milk producer, generating roughly 100 billion liters of milk annually.

The session detailed the scale and commitment of the American dairy industry, emphasizing that 97% of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned and generational.

Speakers provided an in-depth overview of USA manufacturing capabilities, noting that the USA is also the world’s largest producer of cheese, offering over 1,100 varieties.

While 75% of USA dairy exports are in powder form, including Non-fat Dry Milk (NDM), Skim Milk Powder (SMP), and Whole Milk Powder (WMP), the potential for a broader business relationship with Ghana was a central theme.

In addition to commodity production, the USA boasts a vibrant culture of artisan cheese-making. A special interactive tasting session allowed attendees to sample a range of cheeses, from mild Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Cream cheese to a 15-year aged cheddar, demonstrating the diversity and quality of USA offerings.

A significant portion of the presentation focused on the stringent quality controls of the U.S. dairy industry, regulated by the USDA and FDA. Speakers emphasized the industry’s commitment to animal welfare, noting that dairy farmers use advanced technology to monitor herd health, nutrition, and comfort.

Furthermore, the industry is dedicated to sustainability, having reduced water consumption by 30% since 2007 and continuously working to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Crucially, the event addressed the need for supply chain diversity, a lesson reinforced by the global pandemic.

USDEC representatives positioned the U.S. as a reliable and credible partner for Ghana, offering a stable alternative to existing supply chains and the expertise to help Ghanaian businesses source the right ingredients for their local applications.

Chef Antonio, USDEC’s Director of Culinary Programs, led a sensory tasting that delighted attendees. The experience culminated in a luncheon buffet where guests could network and explore a grazing table filled with U.S. cheeses, further demonstrating the versatile applications of dairy in local cuisine.

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