Spiking demand for cottage cheese spurs new investments in Wisconsin processing

Cooperatives expand production, switch from cheddar to take advantage of consumer interest in the high-protein food

Protein-obsessed Americans are eating more cottage cheese: in bowls, spread on toast or turned into the latest low-carb dessert.

The rising star of the dairy case is also driving new investments in dairy processing in Wisconsin.

Associated Milk Producers Inc., a cooperative with farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and four other states, recently announced plans to convert its plant in the Trempealeau County city of Blair from production of cheddar cheese to cottage cheese. The plant will shut down this spring, temporarily laying off its workers, before coming back online at the start of next year...