Low lactose milk launch
Fonterra is making a pitch to a large percentage of the world’s population with a new low lactose instant whole milk powder.
Last week it launched the product at the 2017 Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, the world’s largest annual food event that attracts more than 90,000 visitors and 5000 exhibitors.
Regions with low levels of intolerance towards dairy products include Asia, the Middle East and Africa, growing markets for Fonterra products.
Lactose intolerance means the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Fonterra said in a statement that a glass of low-lactose milk contains all the nutrients found in a glass of standard milk.
‘‘Nothing is added or removed the lactose is simply broken down into more digestible sugars for those with reduced ability to digest lactose.’’
The dairy giant’s ingredients business, NZMP, has developed the new powder, which has only 2 per cent lactose.
General manager nutrition Angela Rowan said that lactoseintolerant people lost out on the nutritional benefits from milk.
‘‘The main reason people avoid dairy is because they feel bloated after drinking milk. But if you have a problem with lactose, you don’t have to give up dairy to avoid feelings of discomfort. Low lactose milk means you can keep drinking and enjoying milk.’’
Fonterra said low lactose was one of the fastest-growing sectors in the dairy industry. Worldwide, the value of low lactose food was more than $9 billion in 2015 and was forecast to grow at 6 per cent a year to 2020.
‘‘Nothing is added or removed. ’’