"Got Milk?” That iconic slogan has been etched into our collective memory, right alongside catchy jingles and questionable fashion choices from the '90s (those of you who were born after the ‘90s, you really missed out!). Fluid cow’s milk has been a staple in the American household for generations, and if you have children like me, you can go through gallons of it. Let’s face it, it’s a versatile beverage that provides essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, or as my doctor used to tell me, “strong bones”. Over the last 100+ years, Rehrig Pacific has been instrumental in servicing the consumer with this amazing drink! From creating the first milk crate to our 16qt, 20qt, 24qt, and dairy pallets, Rehrig Pacific has been a part of our childhood, and we didn’t even know it.
Today, I’ll be sharing the benefits of delivering fluid milk to the consumer and how our products here at Rehrig Pacific truly make a difference. Of course, there is a long list of playful and fantastic things milk can provide to one’s inner childlike self, such as:
- Milk Moustaches: Let’s be honest – nothing screams “I’m an adult” like accidentally sporting a milk mustache during a Teams meeting. It’s the ultimate power move. Plus, it’s a conversation starter. “Oh, this? Just a new fashion statement to go along with my skinny jeans.” Don’t forget the duck faces and peace signs. The real Instagram trend? Milk moustache selfies. Strike a pose, tilt your head, and let that frothy upper lip steal the show. #GotMilkRehrig
- Cereal’s BFF: Without milk, cereal would be like Batman without Robin – incomplete and gloomy. Whether you’re a crunchy granola enthusiast or a sugary cereal aficionado, milk swoops in to save the day. It’s the unsung hero of breakfast tables everywhere.
- Milk and Cookies: The ultimate comfort combo. Milk and cookies are like Batman and Robin’s successful spinoff series. Chocolate chip cookies dunked in milk – it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Milkshake Innovation: Milkshakes have evolved beyond vanilla and chocolate. Now we’ve got avocado milkshakes, matcha milkshakes, and even unicorn milkshakes (yes, they exist; ask my kids!). It’s like a flavor explosion in a frosty glass.
With all the fun that milk consumption brings, it is, unfortunately, a declining sector. The U.S. per capita fluid milk consumption has been on a downward trend for more than 70 years. From 2003 to 2018, consumers of all ages drank less milk as a beverage. The decline accelerated during the 2010s. In 2019, daily per person fluid milk consumption was 20.7% lower than in 20101. The leading driver behind the decline is the increase in other dairy alternatives and a much larger list of beverage choices, with perceived health benefits.
As Rehrig Pacific looks to continue to grow our dairy business, there will be more focus on how our customers navigate these challenges and what we can do to innovate in this space. Dairy crates and pallets will still be instrumental in ensuring that individuals and families around the world are enjoying the benefits of this tasty drink. The impact it has on families and the economy, from health and nutrition, affordability, cultural significance, agriculture, employment opportunities to truck drivers and warehouse workers, or the retail staff at your local grocery store, the impact milk makes is enormous, and we look forward to continuing to put our focus and resources to help carry on that long line of history.
Remember, a glass of milk isn’t just a beverage—it’s a connection to our past, a source of nourishment, and a symbol of family traditions.
So, there you have it, folks – the udderly delightful benefits of delivering fluid milk to consumers.
Author: Eric Chambers, Director of Sales, Supply Chain