NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra is pioneering advancements in dairy protein technology to meet the evolving demands of consumers seeking holistic health and wellness solutions.
Dr. Shakti Singh, Category and Innovation Manager for Proteins at Fonterra, emphasized the growing interest in dairy proteins that offer clinically proven health benefits, addressing a range of well-being aspects from muscle recovery to mental health.
“Fonterra’s innovation is driven by consumer preferences for nutritional solutions that cater to holistic well-being, covering brain health, physical well-being, and immunity,” he said.
“The company is leveraging its expertise to develop products that meet these diverse health needs without compromising on taste and texture.”
According to data from Innova Market Insights, there has been a 13% annual growth in supplement and sports nutrition products featuring dairy-based proteins between July 2021 and June 2023.
Fonterra noted that its consumer research highlights time constraints as a major obstacle for consumers in meeting their nutrition objectives.
As a result, consumers are open to incorporating dairy proteins in various forms to enhance overall health.
Fonterra’s brand NZMP offers specialized functionalities like NZMP ProOptima WPC to manage taste, texture, and stability, making it possible to incorporate elevated protein levels in everyday foods.
The company also leverages the Nutiani by Fonterra brand to add functional health benefits in convenient formats, expanding from physical wellness to a comprehensive approach that includes mental well-being, digestive health, mood regulation, immune system support, and sleep quality improvement.
Sustainability is a key consideration in Fonterra’s approach to dairy protein production. The company has set a 30% reduction target in on-farm emissions by 2030, focusing on farming best practices, innovative technologies, carbon removals, and research on methane reduction technologies.
Fonterra’s commitment aligns with global climate targets, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to sustainability in dairy production.
As the market for dairy proteins diversifies into health and wellness categories, Fonterra is at the forefront of innovation, developing products that not only meet specific health needs but also adhere to sustainable practices, reflecting the growing awareness and preferences of consumers.
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