New Year, and news

It is a cold start to the New Year in the Northern hemisphere, and we’d like to wish you all a good 2026. It has been a year of upheaval and passings, but with the news of a study that has shown eating full-fat cheese may help with warding off dementia, it may be of comfort for those of us who overindulged over the holidays.

Very sadly, Society of Dairy Technology stalwart and industry expert Andrew Wilbey passed away just before Christmas. For 12 years he summarised the content of the International Journal of Dairy Technology editions for Dairy Industries International (DII) before Liz Whitley took over a couple of years ago.

He had been poorly fighting cancer for some time. Even still, he remained upbeat over the past three years, changing his daily walk to taking one in his electric wheelchair accompanied by Christine, his wife.

In 2025, Andrew was awarded the SDT’s prestigious gold medal at a small event in Berkshire near his home, as he didn’t think he would be able to manage to attend the annual dinner.

Andrew worked for 55 years in dairy technology. He was a member of the SDT for 45 years, and had 141 publications published, including 38 for the Journal and 52 for Dairy Industries International. He ran 54 ice cream courses over 41 years, and three years ago he summarised his knowledge of ice cream technology in a manual that he kindly supplied to the Society for its members benefit, leaving behind a very supportive legacy for the industry. An account of Andrew’s publications for the Society, written by Andrew, were summarised in DII in April 2025.

It is sad to see a giant of the British dairy industry pass. We give our condolences to his family and friends.