(NAFB.com) – Dairy Management, Inc. is now accepting entries for its 2026 New Product Competition. They’re inviting undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. to develop innovative dairy-based products that meet today’s consumer demands for bone, muscle health, and weight management. This annual contest challenges students to create forward-thinking products that showcase the power and versatility of dairy in promoting health and wellness. The deadline for entries is January 12. As consumers increasingly seek functional foods to support active and healthy lifestyles, dairy’s nutrient-rich profile presents a major opportunity. The competition encourages students to tap into current industry and consumer insights and aims to bring fresh dairy-based concepts to market. DMI says the competition is about more than just innovation, but also about preparing the next generation of food and dairy leaders to respond to evolving consumer needs with dairy at the center. The first-place Platinum Dairy Innovator Award winner gets $10,000.