Kindle brings expertise in digital engagement, brand strategy, and cross-functional project management to retail marketing team

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Cynthia Kindle as Marketing Manager, U.S Retail supporting the organization’s retail brand initiatives and consumer engagement strategies.

Kindle brings more than five years of experience in managing and optimizing digital presence, executing integrated marketing campaigns, and coordinating cross-functional projects to drive brand alignment and growth. She joins CMAB from InnovAsian Cuisine, where she served as Associate Brand Manager, reporting monthly brand performance, leading e-commerce content optimization, agency management and executing shopper marketing campaigns. Prior to InnovAsian, Kindle contributed to marketing efforts at Nature’s Bakery and Nestle USA, where she gained valuable experience in reporting and analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and project and budget management.

In addition to her corporate experience, Kindle has managed freelance digital marketing projects for clients where she created targeted marketing strategies, built customer personas, and maintained brand presence across social media and online platforms.

Kindle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University’s Graziado School of Business Management.

“Cynthia’s ability to connect data-driven insights with creative marketing strategies makes her an extremely valuable addition to our team,” said Lizzie Werber, Director of U.S Retail of the CMAB. “Her expertise will help us further strengthen visibility for Real California Milk products and engage consumers in new and innovative ways.”

“I’m passionate about real food and the way it connects people to health, tradition, and community,” said Kindle. “I’m thrilled to be joining CMAB and to play a role in sharing the story of California dairy while supporting the farm families who make it possible.”

California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more  sustainable future for dairy in the state.

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced a series of strategic leadership promotions that reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of Real California Milk products both domestically and globally. These promotions recognize the contributions of four accomplished leaders who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

Glenn Millar Promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy and Global Markets

For over a decade, Glenn Millar has led CMAB’s international team with distinction, driving exponential growth in global demand for California dairy. Under his leadership, the team has expanded distribution to 724 Real California Milk products across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In just the past five years, cheese exports have grown more than 40% to $610 million, and fluid milk exports have doubled to $50 million.

Millar brings more than 30 years of dairy industry experience to his role, having previously served as EVP and Partner at Keller’s Creamery, Risk Manager at Crystal Creamery, and held key operational and leadership roles at Safeway Stores, Alta Dena Dairy, Stella Foods, and more. At CMAB, he has fostered a truly global team, integrating insights and best practices from 10 countries to deliver value-added export strategies that maximize returns for California dairy producers.

Janet Arellano Named Director, International

With eight years of success managing CMAB’s international growth programs, Janet Arellano now steps into the role of Director, International. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding value-added dairy product distribution in Mexico to 132 items, while increasing total California dairy volume by 17%. Janet has also led CMAB’s entry into the Middle East and Latin America, cultivating strong distributor relationships and opening new markets for California dairy.

Previously, Janet served as Sales Director at Tropical Foods, overseeing international sales operations across Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Her results-driven approach and expertise in global food distribution have helped position California dairy for sustainable international success.

Katelyn Harmon Promoted to Vice President, U.S. Business Development

Katelyn Harmon has been a driving force behind CMAB’s domestic retail business development for the past eight years, helping to modernize new business support, build out partnerships, and develop shopper marketing and e-commerce initiatives. In her new role as Vice President, U.S. Business Development, she will have expanded strategic oversight of foodservice business development and CMAB’s presence at key tradeshows throughout the year. Her focus on driving long-term value through strategy and innovation will continue to be a guiding force for CMAB’s success.

Prior to CMAB, Harmon spent nearly a decade with The Save Mart Companies in various roles across store operations, category management support, and business analytics, where she helped expand their loyalty program and roll out their own click-and-collect service.

Lizzie Werber Appointed Director, Business Development

Lizzie Werber has been promoted to Director, Business Development after a successful year as CMAB’s Senior Marketing Manager. In this role, she led tentpole promotions, built impactful shopper marketing programs, and cultivated strategic partnerships with retailers and media. Werber has also provided critical marketing support to CMAB’s processor network, bringing her deep brand strategy experience and passion for specialty foods to every initiative.

Before joining CMAB, Werber helped scale operations and market development at The Ugly Co. and spent eight years at Murray’s Cheese/Kroger, where she was integral to the brand’s national expansion and customer experience strategy.

“These leaders exemplify CMAB’s values of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to delivering results for California’s dairy farm families,” said CMAB CEO Bob Carroll. “Their diverse experience and proven track records will be instrumental as we continue to grow demand for Real California Milk products in both international and domestic markets.”

California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

Applications open through August 4, 2025 for dairy startups and entrepreneurs focused on high-growth dairy products

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation consultancy VentureFuel today announced the opening of applications for the seventh Real California Milk Excelerator, one of the largest dairy-specific startup competitions in the world, along with the formalization of an Incubator track for early-stage products.

The competition, which focuses on accelerating value-added products using real milk, features an immersive mentorship program and access to non-dilutive capital and an innovation ecosystem for brand growth. Since launching in 2019, the Real California Milk Excelerator has supported more than 50 startups, helping to drive multi-million-dollar growth and national retail expansion across Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco and more. The addition of the official Incubator track, piloted in 2024, represents a deepened commitment to driving dairy innovation and supporting a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs across all stages of growth.

“From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal,” said Bob Caroll, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “By formalizing the Incubator alongside the Excelerator, we’re helping even more startups realize their potential and doubling down on our long-term commitment to reimagining what’s possible with real milk from our dairy farm families.”

The Excelerator and Incubator tracks will run for 10 weeks and offer stipends to support program participation—from formulation and production to marketing and retail strategy, along with providing elite mentorship, hands-on support, and connections across the dairy supply chain. The program will culminate in an in-person event in California where Incubator and Excelerator participants will sample their products and the Excelerator cohort will compete in a live pitch competition with up to four finalists taking home $30,000 in marketing support. Those four will then compete over the following 12 months to unlock an additional $100,000 in support based on in-market performance.

The Real California Milk Excelerator is open to growth-stage companies already demonstrating product traction and revenue, while the Incubator track is built for early-stage startups, including pre-revenue concepts. Applicants will be evaluated through a single submission and placed into the track that best aligns with their business stage, traction, and goals.

The program’s return comes amid renewed momentum for dairy. According to Circana, real milk sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in dollar terms through May 2025, underscoring consumer interest in real milk for its taste, nutrition, and versatility.

“Dairy is experiencing a powerful resurgence as consumers seek authentic, nutritious options—and the opportunity for innovation has never been greater,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “In year seven of the Real California Milk Excelerator, we continue to unlock new commercial growth for visionary entrepreneurs who are building with dairy, no matter what stage their products are in. By connecting bold ideas with the resources, expertise, and network they need, we are proud to work with CMAB to help shape the future of dairy and drive the next wave of category-defining products.”

Applications are open through August 4, 2025. Startups and entrepreneurs developing high-growth dairy products made with at least 50% dairy are encouraged to apply. Categories of interest include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, confections, and even non-edible items such as personal care or pet products with a specific interest in GLP-1 friendly, gut health, high protein, lactose-free and reduced sugar products.

Interested parties can apply or learn more about  competition rules, key dates, the application process, and RSVP for a virtual information session on July 15, 2025 at 12 PM PST at realcamilkexcelerator.com.

The 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, also known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,000 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.