Challenge News

Challenge's European Style Butter Tops Taste Test

In a blind taste test among culinary professionals, Challenge Dairy’s European Style Butter took first place, topping 10 other European style butters. Challenge’s winning taste was described as “mild,” “fresh,” “clean,” and “rich” with a “pronounced dairy flavor.” Quality and taste are our highest priorities, so it is always an honor to be recognized as a leader among both imported and domestic butters.

If you are wondering, European style butters have a creamier taste and silkier texture due to a slightly higher fat content. It is made by churning cream slower and longer in the age-old tradition of fine European butters. You can substitute European Style butter for regular butter in recipes to get a bolder, richer flavor. European style butter produces flakier pastries, smoother sauces and more savory dishes and is a preferred ingredient among many professional chefs.

Read the article on SFGate.com

posted on December 7, 2011

Thank you, Veterans.

Challenge Dairy would like to take a moment to recognize the brave men and women who serve or have served our country in the Armed Forces. Words cannot express our appreciation for your service. We acknowledge the sacrifices you have made to protect and defend our freedoms and way of life.

We also want to say a special thank you to our active troops. We are honored to have our products served in all of the US military bases worldwide. It is important to us that you can enjoy the same products as your families back home.

We salute you.

 

Photo courtesy of Serve.gov - Serving Veterans and MIlitary Families

posted on November 11, 2011

A Rare Glimpse Inside the Challenge Dairy Factory

ABC’s local affiliate, Channel 30, recently paid a visit to the Challenge Dairy factory as a part of their “From the Factory to Your Family” series, which highlights Fresno Valley’s prolific food industry. In this clip, viewers get a glimpse inside the Challenge Dairy factory where our delicious butters are made. Does the factory look the way you would expect it? Tell us your thoughts.

posted on July 18, 2011

Challenge Butter Spreading to the Midwest

After experiencing success in the global market (in 2010 Challenge was responsible for one-third of the USA’s exported butter going to 20 countries), we are planning to expand to the midwest. We will let you know when and where to find Challenge Dairy products in midwestern cities as soon as the details become available. In the meantime, check out this article from sfgate.com, and tell us if you would like to see Challenge Dairy products in your home town.

posted on July 17, 2011

Challenge Celebrates the 4th of July in Danville, CA

What a wonderful 4th of July celebration!

Once again, Challenge Dairy participated in Danville's 4th of July Parade, a hometown holiday event just minutes north of our headquarters in Dublin, California. There were over 45,000 attendees, including local residents, families, and friends from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

This year’s theme was “Recognizing Our Future Leaders,” and we were honored to be part of the processional of community organizations, local businesses, marching bands, scouts, and members of law enforcement, military, and more. We handed out thousands of “squishy” cows, key chains, candy, and coupons. It was a wonderful time to interact with families and connect with new faces.

We hope to see you all there next year!

posted on July 6, 2011

Challenge Dairy’s CEO Says Sales Indicate Economic Recovery for Some Industries

Irvin Holmes, CEO of Challenge Dairy, was recently interviewed for an article in the San Francisco Business Times. He discussed how CD’s business trends were a reflection of California’s larger economic climate. In short, he explains that an increase in retail sales stems from individuals and families choosing to cook at home instead of eating out. In the food service industry, sales in larger, metropolitan cities are rebounding, while cities that rely heavily on tourism remain slow to recover. This indicates that people are staying close to home in an effort to save. If you are seeing the same trends, or different ones, we would love to hear from you.

posted on July 1, 2011

100 Years Celebrated at City Hall in San Francisco

On June 11, over 300 of Challenge Dairy’s employees gathered at City Hall to celebrate its historic 100 year anniversary. Not only did this day represent a century of producing quality, great tasting butter, it also became permanently fixed in history by being declared Challenge Butter Day.

During the event, Congressman McNerney presented a commemorative message recognizing Challenge Dairy for 100 years of innovation, contributions to the dairy industry, economical impact and involvement in humanitarian aid. Also, Challenge was presented with proclamations from the State of California, the City of Dublin and both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Congratulations to all of our employees. Your hard work and dedication to the ideals of Challenge Dairy have made the last century a monumental success. Thank you for being part of our family and our enduring legacy.

posted on June 14, 2011

June 11 Officially Declared Challenge Butter Day

Governor Jerry Brown Deems June 11 Challenge Butter Day in Recognition of Brand’s 100th Birthday

Challenge Butter is celebrating its 100th birthday on June 11, 2011, which has been proclaimed to be Challenge Butter Day by Governor Jerry Brown in recognition of Challenge’s 100 years of providing the West with high quality, great tasting butter.

Challenge Butter began one hundred years ago with four employees, a cart and 132 pounds of butter. It sold 12 lbs its first day in business. Word of its quality quickly spread and today, it is the largest butter brand in the West. That dedication to quality hasn’t changed in its 100 years, nor has its packaging bearing the great elk, which has become synonymous with fresh, all-natural, great-tasting butter.

“We couldn’t be more proud to celebrate our 100th birthday with our fans who have supported us over the years,” said Irvin Holmes, CEO of Challenge Dairy Products, Inc. “Challenge Dairy and its farmers are committed to providing the best and that commitment is why our fans’ love for Challenge Butter is passed down from generation to generation.”

Challenge has not only pioneered quality in butter products, but was also responsible for many industry firsts, including:

• The first lab sampling of all butter to ensure quality;
• The first consumer size Swiss cheese package;
• The invention of a metal churn, in place of a wooden churn, which soon became an industry standard;
• The practice of shipping butter in paper rather than in heavy wooden crates;
• The introduction of the ½ gallon carton of milk instead of quart cartons;
• Being the first advertiser to sponsor a lighted billboard in Los Angeles, standing on the top of a one-story automobile sales building at the northwest corner of 7th and Figueroa, where the Statler Hotel is now located.

About Challenge Dairy

Founded in 1911, Challenge Dairy is a wholly owned subsidiary of California Dairies Inc., the second largest dairy cooperative in the United States. Popular with both consumers and foodservice clients, Challenge Butter is the largest selling butter brand in the Western United States. For more information about Challenge Dairy and its products, visit www.challengedairy.com.

posted on June 11, 2011

Getting Press on Real California Milk for Dairy Month

Processor Profile: Challenge Butter - 100 Years Old and Going Strong

With June being Dairy Month, we have noticed a lot more attention lately, especially with our 100 year celebration happening later this month. In particular, we were recently mentioned on the Real California Milk website. Here's a little excerpt from their post:

Challenge has operated through two World Wars, the Great Depression and numerous other obstacles. The dairy families who form this farmer-owned cooperative venture believe in the same tenets as their forbearers: take care of your cows, your land and produce the finest milk possible to create dairy products worthy of the Challenge name.

“Challenge prides itself on producing the best-tasting products made from the freshest ingredients of the upmost quality,” said Irvin Holmes, CEO of Challenge Dairy. “Our dairy farmer-owned organization built its reputation for quality 100 years ago and our dedicatioin to providing the best will never change.”

Check out the full blog post

posted on June 3, 2011

Dairy Producer Profiled in Progressive Dairyman

One of our third-generation dairy producers was highlighted in May's Progressive Dairyman.

Challenge Dairy exists because hardworking families have dedicated their lives toward producing high quality dairy products. The Mendes family is no exception. They became members of the Riverdale Cooperative Creamery, a founding member of Challenge, sometime in the 1920's and have been actively involved in the leadership of Challenge Dairy since 1930.

Tony Mendes was recently interviewed by Progressive Dairyman. He describes his family's involvement in Challenge and reflects upon his ongoing contribution to California's dairy industry. Here's a portion of the interview that summarizes Challenge's core values:

A little-known fact about Challenge Dairy is … that I believe the secret to its success has been the quality of individuals chosen to lead its various divisions and its mission to provide the highest quality products to its consumers. The fact that Challenge Butter is celebrating its 100th anniversary is a testament to this.

The hard work of Challenge’s leaders and producers has contributed to the organization’s success and place in the history books.

If you would like to read more from Tony's interview, read the full article at Progressive Dairyman.

posted on May 27, 2011

Celebrating our 100th Anniversary

Keeping it Real for 100 years

One hundred years ago, on January 2, 1911, the Challenge Cream & Butter Company opened for business in a rented Los Angeles storeroom and began selling products for the Riverdale and Tulare cooperative creamery associations.

It was a humble beginning. There were four employees at the time: a manager, assistant manager, bookkeeper, and delivery salesman. The company owned a delivery wagon but had to rent a horse to pull it. On that first day, we sold 12 pounds of butter.

The world has dramatically changed over the past 100 years, but our butter is as real now as it was then. Yes, we have made innovations, but the ingredients remain the same. Our process is pure and our flavor is timeless. Thank you for being part of our 100 year history. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

posted on January 1, 2011

Season's Greetings and Hundred New Years

This holiday season is extra special for the Challenge Dairy family.

We are about to flip the calendar for the 100th time and look forward to celebrating this momentous milestone with you throughout the year. Thank you (and previous generations) for choosing Challenge Dairy products and enabling us to celebrate a hundred new years together. Happy holidays and have a wonderful, 100th New Year!

posted on December 16, 2010

Share What You're Thankful for on Facebook

We’d love to hear what you’re thankful for!

When you visit and “Like” our Facebook page, you can share your Thanksgiving message with us and other Challenge Butter fans. Plus, you’ll receive special coupons, recipes, contests, and updates.

While you're there, don’t forget you still have a chance to enter to win a 5-Day/4-Night Luxury Included® Family Vacation to the Italian Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village and Spa. Hurry before the opportunity is gone.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

posted on November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuscan Style Thanksgiving Recipes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we thought it would be fun to add an Italian twist to this very traditional holiday. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we hope you enjoy the recipes below.

Italian food is known for its flavor and unique blends of herbs. This Thanksgiving, put a unique twist on the menu with recipes that incorporate Challenge’s all-new Tuscan Style Spreadable Butter.

Tuscan Style Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. unpeeled potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 cup Challenge Tuscan Style Spreadable butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. sour cream or plain yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, until tender.
2. Drain potatoes and transfer to a bowl. Add Challenge Tuscan-Style Spreadable Butter and mash with an electric mixer until potatoes are smooth. Add milk and sour cream or yogurt and mix to desired consistency. Do not over mix potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

More Recipes

Looking for a flavorful appetizer to keep guests entertained? Try this Tuscan Flatbread recipe. It tastes wonderful and is easy to serve.

And for more holiday recipes, Challenge Dairy has a wide variety of unflavored butters, perfect for all your traditional baking and cooking needs—from sauces and sautés to croquettes and cakes.

posted on November 23, 2010

Eat My Blog

Saturday, December 5th marks the launch date of the first charity bake sale, Eat My Blog. And we're so happy to be the official butter sponsor!

100% of the proceeds will go to The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, a nonprofit charitable organization that has been mobilizing resources to fight hunger in the community since 1973.

All of you LA locals can stop by Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood (7100 Santa Monica Boulevard) from 10am to 4pm to pick up some homemade baked goods (there will be more than 800 of them!!), courtesy of your fantastic LA bloggers. Take a look at the full menu below.

We can't wait to see you there!

posted on December 2, 2009