How WI Built Cheese exports

Event date/time:  April 23, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (this is an In-person event only).

Location:  Global Water Center (The Water Council), 247 W Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204

This event is presented in Partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW)  and Schreiber Foods.

Wisconsin’s cheese export success is built on strong collaboration between state government, industry promotion, and cheese companies.

This session will highlight how DATCP works with DFW to support cheese exporters and grow Wisconsin’s cheese global markets. 

Topics will include:

• Ag Export statistics overview of 2025, including a focus on dairy exports and government roles and programs (DATCP)
• Building global demand and branding

SPEAKERS:

• DATCP: Ag Export statistics overview of 2025 presented by Ira Frydman, Export and Business Development Bureau Director 
• Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin: Building global demand and branding  presented by  Lisa Ramotowski, VP/Managing Director, Sustainability & Export Marketing 
• Schreiber Foods:  Short export case study presented by  Alfiya Thomas, Schreiber Foods 
• Cheese pairing and Q&A presented by Chef Shannon,  Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW)

AGENDA:

• 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Registration and Networking 
• 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM Opening and Sponsor Remarks 
• 2:40 PM – 4:00 PM Speaker presentations 
• 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM Cheese pairing  by DFW and Q&A
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Networking Reception 

Cost of Admission: In-person: MITA Members $35; Non-members $50.

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co,  WEDC,  Kroll,  OEC Group,  FTI Consulting and Star7