A cow in the Netherlands has antibodies to H5N1 avian influenza, marking the first instance of the virus spreading to cattle outside the US. Milk and blood samples were analyzed after a cat on the dairy farm died of H5N1. The cow had mastitis and respiratory issues, but its milk was not processed for consumption, and the farm's milk is pasteurized, minimizing public health risks, according to the Dutch agriculture minister. No workers or neighbors have shown symptoms of infection.

Häagen-Dazs is pursuing a premium-led growth strategy in the US by launching six new ice cream products that highlight indulgent flavors, layered inclusions and textural contrasts. The brand is focusing on value growth rather than volume, using premium formats and richer recipes to position its products as affordable luxuries amid rising costs and cautious consumer spending. This approach allows Häagen-Dazs to defend its margins and maintain strong appeal among consumers willing to trade up for premium experiences.

Artikaas Vintage Lot 36 Month Gouda is a premium cheese aged for three years in the Netherlands, resulting in a firm, crystalline texture and concentrated flavors of toasted nuts and caramel. The cheese won the 2026 sofi™ Gold Award in its category at Winter FancyFaire*. Imported to the US exclusively by Dutch Cheese Makers, each batch is carefully selected at peak maturity to ensure consistency and the distinctive character of an authentically aged Gouda. The cheese is available in 22 lb wheels, quarter wheels and random-weight cuts.

Amazon has announced it will close all Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores to focus on online same-day delivery and new big-box retail stores. Some of the shuttered stores will become Whole Foods Market locations. Amazon plans to open more than 100 Whole Foods stores in the coming years.

Cicis Pizza has entered a year-long partnership with popular Twitch streamer CaseOh, whose enthusiastic promotion of Cicis' Mac & Cheese Pizza on his streams made him a natural collaborator. The renamed Mac & CaseOh Pizza will be on the menu nationwide throughout 2026, and the partnership will leverage CaseOh's multimillion follower base across various platforms to boost brand engagement.

The US coffee creamer category continues its rapid ascent, posting an 8.8% CAGR over the past four years and outpacing other segments in refrigerated dairy. Major brands like Chobani, Coffee Mate and Califia Farms have expanded their portfolios to include organic, zero sugar and plant-based options. Format and flavor innovation remains a vital growth lever in the coffee creamer category, with brands launching exciting new products like cold foam and limited-edition flavors to meet evolving consumer tastes. Licensing partnerships -- such as Harry Potter-themed creamers -- also capture consumer attention and encourage trial.

Kory Adams, a 19-year-old from Wisconsin, has embarked on a farming career by starting a cattle ranch with the help of a federal farm service agency loan. Adams, who was inspired by working on a dairy farm at 16, hopes his journey will encourage other young people to consider agriculture as a rewarding career.

Betsy Snyder, president of the School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania, said districts are already working with local dairies and planning student taste tests as whole milk returns to school cafeterias. Snyder said schools will need to carefully balance calories and menu requirements, noting that whole milk contains significantly more calories than low-fat options and will require adjustments to stay within federal nutrition guidelines.

Powdered whole milk used in ByHeart infant formula may be the source of contamination that led to an outbreak of botulism that sickened 51 infants in 19 states, according to the FDA. The agency found that bacteria in an unopened can of formula matched a sample from a sick infant, as well as contamination found in samples of organic whole milk powder used to make the formula. The FDA said there is no indication that the problem extends beyond the ByHeart formula.

Oreo has launched a campaign in Mexico featuring Belted Galloway cows that resemble the cookie's design to revive the tradition of dunking cookies in milk. The "Oreo Cows" campaign, developed with VML Mexico and VML New York, includes a humorous film, limited-edition milk bottles for influencers and a co-branded product with a Mexican milk company.

Well, folks ... I hope you have enjoyed Dairy Industry SmartBrief as much as I have enjoyed editing it each week. It's been a pleasure to dive into industry news and trends and unpack what matters most. I will miss producing the brief each week, but I hope to see you on other Food & Beverage SmartBriefs. I'll be there -- reading, writing and editing until the cows come home.