Dairy Product Development
Transform innovative dairy concepts into commercially viable products through applied research, and pilot plant trials.
Center for Dairy Research
A globally recognized dairy innovation center providing applied research, technical expertise, product development, analytical services, and professional training for the dairy industry.
CORE CAPABILITIES
Pilot Plant & Process Optimization
Access world-class facilities to validate manufacturing processes, optimize production & scale new dairy products.
Analytical & Sensory Testing
Comprehensive chemical, microbiological, compositional, functionality and sensory evaluation services for dairy products
Food Safety & Quality Assurance
Strengthen dairy manufacturing through HACCP, sanitation, environmental monitoring, training & quality improvements.
Industry Training & Short Courses
Professional education covering cheesemaking, dairy processing, food safety, ingredients, butter, cultured products etc.
Technical Consulting & Troubleshooting
Receive expert guidance for manufacturing challenges, plant optimization, product quality, and process improvement.
Marketplace
Analytical & Sensory Testing Services
Comprehensive laboratory testing and sensory evaluation services that help dairy manufacturers improve quality, functionality, and product performance.
Chemical Analysis+7Microbiological Testing, Sensory Evaluation, Shelf-Life Studies, Ingredient Analysis, Expert Interpretation, Data Reporting, Laboratory Services
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Pilot Plant Processing & Scale-Up Services
Validate new dairy products and manufacturing processes using CDR's advanced pilot plant facilities before commercial production.
Pilot Production+5Process Improvement, Innovation Support, Manufacturing Optimization, Scale-Up Trials, Process Validation
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CDR Industry Team (CIT) Membership
Exclusive industry membership providing direct access to dairy experts, pilot plants, technical consulting, collaborative research, training, and innovation resources.
Technical Expert Access+9Collaborative Research, Pilot Plant Priority Access, Product Development Support, Industry Networking, Technical Publications, Discounted Training, Innovation Workshops, Research Collaboration, Manufacturing Support
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TRUSTED BY
Built for scale, proven in production
35+ Years
DAIRY RESEARCH
1200+
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
150+
MEMBER COMPANIES
20+
DAIRY COURSES
CENTER FOR DAIRY RESEARCH
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Upcoming events & trainings
Dairy
Price: Free
PCQI & HACCP Training Workshop
Nov 6–4, 2026
6:00 pm CST
In person
Center for Dairy Research
Dairy+1Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others
Price: Free
Dairy Ingredient Fundamentals
Oct 7, 2026
6:00 pm CDT
In person
Center for Dairy Research
Dairy
Price: Free
World of Cheese: from Pasture to Plate
Sep 1–4, 2026
9:00 am CDT
In person
Center for Dairy ResearchArticles
Research & Publications
Dairy+2Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others, Food Logistics & Warehousing
The Science Behind Curd Fusion: Preventing Cheese Defects Through Better Processing
Understand the science of curd fusion, why defects occur during cheesemaking, and how improved processing techniques lead to stronger product quality and consistency.
31 July 2026 · 1 min read
Center for Dairy Research
Research & Publications
Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others+2Retail Processing & Manufacturing, Dairy
Boosting Cheese Yield: Small Process Changes, Big Production Gains
Learn how optimizing cheese yield through process improvements, milk standardization, and manufacturing efficiency can significantly improve profitability and product consistency.
31 July 2026 · 1 min read
Center for Dairy Research
Research & Publications
Dairy+2Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others, Retail Processing & Manufacturing
Cheese & Cheesemaking Explained Through Chemistry & Microbiology
Explore the chemistry, microbiology, and scientific principles behind modern cheesemaking to improve product quality, troubleshoot production challenges, and optimize dairy manufacturing.
31 July 2026 · 1 min read
Center for Dairy Research
Reports
Research
Dairy
Dairy Pipeline – Spring 2025
The Spring 2025 edition of Dairy Pipeline presents the latest research, technical insights, and industry developments from the Center for Dairy Research.
1 August 2026
Center for Dairy Research
Research
Dairy
Dairy Pipeline – Summer 2026
The Summer 2026 edition of Dairy Pipeline explores the critical role of water quality, sanitation, ingredient functionality, and production efficiency in modern dairy processing.
1 August 2026
Center for Dairy Research
Research
Dairy
Dairy Pipeline – Winter 2026
The Winter 2026 edition of Dairy Pipeline showcases the latest scientific research, technical advancements, and industry developments shaping modern dairy manufacturing.
31 July 2026
Center for Dairy Research
About Us
The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a globally recognized dairy innovation center dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and commercialization of dairy products. CDR plays a leading role in workforce development through professional education.
Industries served
Dairy
Food Logistics & Warehousing
Retail Processing & Manufacturing
Beverage
Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others
Capabilities
Applied Dairy Research
Product Development
Cheese Technology
Commercialization Support
Industry Workforce Training
Dairy Processing Innovation
Food Safety
Sensory Evaluation
Analytical Testing
Pilot Plant Trials
Dairy Ingredients
Trust & compliance
Accredited Analytical & Research Methodologies
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) Compliance Support
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Applied in Pilot Plant Operations
HACCP-Based Food Safety Principles
USDA-Regulated Dairy Processing Environment
FDA-Compliant Dairy Research & Processing Practices
University of Wisconsin–Madison Research & Laboratory Standards
Driving Dairy Innovation Through Science, Technology & Industry Collaboration
Whether you're developing new products, optimizing production processes, or solving technical challenges, CDR provides the expertise and resources to help transform ideas into commercial success.