Cheese technology coming to Madison

cheesemakers, dairy products

2006 International Cheese Technology Expo scheduled for April

International cheese, butter and whey manufacturers will gather April 25-27 in Madison, Wis., for the largest cheese industry event in the United States. The International Cheese Technology Exposition (ICTE) combines world-class seminars, exciting special events and the nation's largest dairy processing trade exposition for an unparalleled networking opportunity.

In even-numbered years, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research host cheese manufacturers and suppliers from across the nation and around the world. The ICTE is an intensive combination of morning seminars, two full afternoons of uninterrupted Exposition and evening social affairs. It is the world's largest gathering devoted solely to the multi-billion dollar market for cheese and related dairy products. The events take place at the Alliant Energy Center.

In 2004, 249 companies involved in the manufacture, processing and packaging of cheese and related dairy products attended the ICTE. In all, more than 1,900 industry manufacturers and suppliers attended the ICTE. Cheese company attendees included: Cheese company executive level & plant managers, cheesemakers, and lab/technical personnel. Cheese companies in 35 states attended the most recent ICTE, as well as cheese company representatives from 11 countries around the globe.

Exhibitors include a broad variety of suppliers of goods and services to dairy processors. In addition to the supply of ingredients, equipment and services directly associated with cheese manufacture, the ICTE is an excellent opportunity for suppliers of manufacturing and design services, transportation vehicles, laboratory technology, warehousing systems, industrial clothing, sanitation products and services, refrigeration equipment, milk tankers, product safety equipment, information resources, computer production and storage hardware and software and other integrally related supplies.

The conference also features results, samples and auctions of cheeses from the 2006 World Championship Cheese Contest which will be held in Madison March 21-23.

Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to the finest products in 51 classes. The contest draws competitors from around the world.

Educational programs will touch on topics including pricing and price policies, energy prices and potential savings, security, food safety and more.