Three IDF dairy champions have been honoured for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the sector at the IDF Global Dairy Conference. The winners of the prestigious awards were announced during the Gala dinner of the 2021 IDF Global Dairy Conference, which was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Erica Hocking, a Senior Nutrition Scientist for Dairy UK, and the Deputy Chair of the IDF Standing Committee on Nutrition & Health, was the winner of the award for Prize of Excellence, for her outstanding work with IDF in the last years. She was an active member of the Action Team who collected information on School Milk Programmes around the world, and collated data, and produced analysis for the IDF School Milk Bulletin. She was also head of the organising committee for the IDF Nutrition and Health Symposium which turned out to be one of the most successful IDF events of this year, reaching hundreds of participants, and producing scientific excellence.

Piercristiano Brazzale, IDF President, who presented the award to Erica commented. “Due to Erica’s commitment this year, she has helped carry the message on dairy and health beyond the dairy community”.

The second award was for the Standing Committee Leader Recognition, handed over to Philippe Trossat, from France. Philippe is the Director of analytical activities for milk and milk products of ACTALIA, centre of expertise for food. He just completed his 3rd term (in total 6 years) as chair the IDF Standing Committee on Analytical Methods for Composition. He has also led, or is leading now, the development or revision of many IDF/ISO standards

Caroline Emond presented the award to Phillippe Trossat commenting:

“Philippe received this award for his outstanding leadership for a very technical committee that covers a wide range of analytical topics link to the composition of milk products. Despite a heavy work programme, he has kept meetings focused yet interesting, in recent virtual meetings. He has also kept in touch with Action Team leaders and staff, balanced the various input and used his broad expertise to ensure progress of the work”

Finally, the last award was presented to France with the prestigious annual Yves Boutonnat IMP (International Milk Promotion) Trophy award, for its #Fromagissons initiative. The award is particularly noteworthy given the challenging time the dairy sector has worked through. Covid 19 has seen consumers trust & consumption of dairy products increase alongside their view that dairy forms part of a healthy, sustainable diet.

The International Milk Promotion is an Action Team of the IDF Standing Committee on Marketing and regroups 19 member countries. Those countries nominate entries for the award, and the two finalists selected this year were CNIEL in France, and the National Dairy Council in Ireland.

A massive congratulations to all the winners and finalists of this year IDF Annual Awards 2021.