New Zealand-based dairy co-operative Fonterra has diversified its product portfolio, as consumer preferences across the world take new directions.
The dairy giant said that the markets across wider Asia and the Middle East start to define the path they consume dairy.
Fonterra chief operating officer global consumer and foodservice Jacqueline Chow said: “We are entering into a renaissance period for dairy, where product research and development will start shaping the diets of future generations.”
Chow said that products like cheese are only now starting to feature prominently in some of the world’s dairy growth markets.
As many of its customers in Korea see dairy as a nutritious, low salt protein option, the company has formulated a low salt cheese down to meet the specific demand.
In Hong Kong, Fonterra launched Anchor Candy Cheese to cater to its customers demand for healthier snack options in supermarkets for their children.
Fonterra said that the bite-sized cheese cubes were launched to meet demand for more nutritional options for lunchboxes.
According to the company, Anchor Candy Cheese contains twice the nutritional content of regular cheddar and less sugar.
Chow said: “Sales trends show consumers around the world are demanding a more protein rich diet, and with tastes varying from region to region we’re working closely with our customers to make sure we deliver the products to match.”
Besides, it has created a pharmaceutical lactose called Wyndale, designed specifically for the Indian market.
Chow said that Wyndale is used as an excipient in medicines, helping take the active ingredient to a targeted location in the body.
Chow said: “By working directly with Kapuni, Wyndale went from concept to commercially produced in just five weeks. Since its launch, demand for this product has increased by 75 per cent, filling a gap in the market.”
Earlier this month, Fonterra announced that the first major shipment of mascarpone from the company is set to sail for Japan in January 2017.
