Wisconsin Dairy Experts Build Ties with Thailand Market

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin dairy products have a global reputation, yet opportunities remain to introduce them to new markets. This summer, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) faculty, staff, and a recent graduate joined a delegation to Thailand to explore the country’s expanding dairy industry and potential avenues for collaboration.

The nine-day trip was funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

"The idea behind the grant was to promote collaboration and networking between the dairy industries in Wisconsin and Thailand,” said Grace Lewis, UWRF assistant professor of food science and principal investigator for the grant. “Part of the project was trying to design a dairy product suitable for export from Wisconsin to Thailand.”

Lewis was accompanied by UWRF Dairy Plant Manager Rueben Nilsson, alumna Nevaeh Bolinger, Randy Swensen of Wisconsin Aging & Grading Cheese, Inc., and UWRF geology professor Kevin Thaisen. Travel was coordinated by Apilak and Sukanya Sirikeratikul, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin representatives in Thailand.

The group visited Bangkok and Chiang Mai, meeting dairy farmers, cheesemakers, restaurateurs, retailers, exporters, and universities. They also explored cultural traditions while sampling local artisan cheeses.

Lewis, Nilsson, and Swensen, all professional cheese judges, encouraged a Chiang Mai cheesemaker from Dacheeso to enter her smoked cheddar and mozzarella into global competitions.

“We left that meeting very inspired because that cheesemaker was very passionate about her occupation and she was very sweet and humble,” Lewis said.

The delegation also learned about incorporating Thai herbs and spices into cheese, with guidance from Anuwat Churyen of Maejo University’s International Gastronomy Tourism Centre.

Bolinger, who graduated in 2025 with a degree in food science and technology, called the trip life-changing. “My experience traveling to Thailand is one that I will remember forever,” Bolinger said, adding that it opened her eyes to “countless job opportunities” in food science.

DATCP officials praised the trip as a model for growing Wisconsin’s dairy exports. “The work done by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls team in Thailand is a great example of collaboration driving Wisconsin dairy exports,” said Jennifer Lu, DATCP international economic development consultant.

Lewis plans to continue working with Chiang Mai University on dairy research and exchange opportunities. “I’m really motivated to keep moving forward in this project,” she said.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-creacart