Rosa Brothers Part 2: Innovation Helps a California Dairy Keep Growing

Rosa Brothers Milk Company has turned a family dairy into a recognizable California brand, and in Part 2 of his AgNet News Hour interview, president Noel Rosa explained how innovation, sustainability and value-added products are helping the Tulare-based operation continue to grow.

One opportunity Rosa is particularly excited about is renewed interest in whole milk in schools. He believes giving students better-tasting milk could help introduce a new generation to dairy products and potentially create lifelong consumers.

Rosa Brothers has also built its identity around its distinctive glass bottles. Approximately 75 percent of the company's refillable bottles are returned, allowing them to be washed, sanitized and used again. Rosa believes glass could become increasingly valuable as California looks for ways to reduce plastic packaging.

But the company isn't relying on bottled milk alone.

Rosa Brothers continues experimenting with new products and flavors based on consumer demand. Rosa discussed the company's growing ice cream business, including a new Lemon Cream Pie flavor and a line of artisan ice cream sandwiches. The company also produces flavored milk, lactose-free milk, heavy cream and flavored coffee creamers.

That growth is creating an unusual challenge: Rosa said the dairy has enough milk and enough customers, but processing capacity is becoming a limiting factor.

"We're making some tweaks on our facility to accommodate growth," Rosa said.

The future isn't without challenges. Water availability, energy prices, insurance, freight and other rising costs remain concerns for operating a dairy business in California. Still, Rosa Brothers continues expanding while maintaining its focus on producing and processing its products locally.

From bringing whole milk back to younger consumers to developing new products and expanding distribution, Rosa's conversation offers an inside look at how one California dairy is finding ways to grow in a difficult agricultural environment.

Listen to Part 2 of the full interview with Noel Rosa on the AgNet News Hour.