Penn State Student Athletes Learn about Dairy Farming, Nutrition
The parents of today and tomorrow, Gen Z’s spending power is increasing, and they place considerable importance on wellness and sustainability. In order to inspire trust and build sales in dairy, ADA North East is reaching these consumers “where they are” – on their phones and digital devices.
“We know that more than 60% of Gen Z consumers trust influencers more than they do brands, so leveraging collegiate athletes helps our dairy message break through to young consumers,” said ADA North East CEO John Chrisman. “If they see people they admire enjoying milk and dairy foods, they’re more likely to consume dairy too.”
The “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” campaign is ideal for utilizing dairy-loving college athletes because of chocolate milk’s benefits as a post-workout recovery beverage. It contains the golden ratio of carbohydrates to protein – about 3-4 grams of carbs for every gram of protein. The ratio helps rehydrate the body, repair muscles, and replenish energy after exercise.
ADA North East is utilizing athletes from a number of colleges to serve as influencers to promote refueling with chocolate milk. This spring, a group of Penn State student athletes joined dairy checkoff staff for a tour of the university’s dairy barns and its on-campus creamery to learn about and build trust in how milk and dairy foods are produced.
“Team Chocolate Milk” athletes who participated in the tours included Charlize Beniquez, Mary Brinker and Ben Doyle from the swimming and diving teams, ice hockey player Lyndie Lobdell and field hockey player Madison Tambroni.
ADA North East also filmed “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” videos with several athletes that will be released later this year on its social media channels and promoted across Pennsylvania.
Penn State Dairy Science student and dairy farmer from Susquehanna County Emory Bewley participated as a peer mentor in the tour. She shared her practical dairy farming experience and connected with the group as a life-long student athlete who also refuels with chocolate milk.
“Sports marketing has always been an integral part of dairy checkoff, and we’re fortunate to be able to tap into the popularity of college sports to promote milk and dairy foods,” said Chrisman. “Dairy truly is for everyone and it’s exciting to reach consumers in so many different ways.”
Click here to learn more about Refuel with Chocolate Milk, or contact American Dairy Association North East at 315.472.9143.
Photo caption: American Dairy Association North East coordinated a tour of the Penn State University dairy farm and the Berkey Creamery with Penn State student athletes as part of its sports marketing efforts. From left to right: Penn State Dairy Science student Emory Bewley; Ben Doyle – swimming and diving; Charlize Beniquez – swimming and diving; Madison Tambroni – field hockey; Mary Brinker – swimming and diving; and Lyndie Lobdell – ice hockey.
Photo caption: Penn State diver Charlize Beniquez joined American Dairy Association North East for a tour of the Penn State Berkey Creamery as part of the association’s sports marketing efforts.
About American Dairy Association North East
American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) is the dairy farmer-funded organization funded by participating dairy farmer’s checkoff investment to build demand and sales for milk and dairy foods throughout the local region. Representing nearly 8,500 dairy farm families in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia, ADA North East develops and implements local programs to drive milk and dairy sales at retail outlets and in schools. The organization also conducts consumer education about dairy through events, traditional and social media, and in collaboration with health professionals through National Dairy Council®. ADA North East works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™, the national dairy checkoff organization, to support nutrition research, national partnerships and developing export markets for dairy to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the region. For more information, visit www.AmericanDairy.com.
