More manufacturers are pivoting their infant nutrition ingredients into other segments of nutrition in light of changing market dynamics in China.
Arla Foods Ingredients has launched three formulated powder recipes to help private-label producers meet the growing demand for healthy ageing milk powders. According to Innova Market Insights, between 2018 and 2022, China accounted for 85% of new nutrition product launches with a senior positioning, the vast majority of which were formulated milk powders. This reflects the fact that there are over a quarter of a billion people in China over the age of 60, as well as growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for healthy ageing, the Arla Foods Ingredients said.
Formulated to comply with Chinese regulations, the three offerings feature added vitamins, minerals and probiotics as well as milk and whey protein. The formulations can be customized by introducing other premium ingredients such as organic milk and specialty whey ingredients like milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Flavours and sweeteners can also be added.
The finished solutions will be produced by Advanced Nutrition Manufacturing, Arla Foods Ingredients’ manufacturing division, which is known as a provider of infant nutrition products. Now, the division will also focus on manufacturing formulated milk powders for adults on a private label basis.
Steen Lyck, Director, Advanced Nutrition Manufacturing at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Tens of millions of senior consumers in China are looking for nutrition solutions that can help them stay active for longer. For manufacturers seeking to meet this growing need, private label is often the most convenient, least resource-intensive way to bring new products to market. Our manufacturing division is well known for its infant nutrition expertise but, as these new recipes demonstrate, it also has fantastic capabilities in the healthy ageing space. Arla Foods Ingredients’ partners benefit not just from the highest quality milk ingredients, but also our strong supply chain, and years of expertise in formulating for both powder and liquid formats.”
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Danone enters new adult medical nutrition category in China
In other news, Danone is set to launch its first medical nutrition product in the adult medical nutrition category in China. The release of Fortimel is part of Danone’s strategy to leverage its scientific expertise to drive acceleration in adult medical nutrition whilst also addressing the needs of China’s ageing population and the growing incidence of chronic disease.
Fortimel has been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of patients recovering from surgery, cancer, and stroke. The new range, to be produced in Danone’s manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China, can also address the risk of malnutrition when nutritional requirements cannot be met through normal feeding.
Specialized nutrition, which includes medical nutrition, accounts for 30% of Danone’s total revenues, with a growth of +10% like-for-like in 2022.
Bruno Chevot, Danone’s President China, North Asia and Oceania said: “The launch of Fortimel Balanced is another milestone on Danone’s ‘Innovated in China, Made in China’ journey. The product leverages Danone’s cutting-edge science and research capability to cater to the nutritional needs of Chinese patients. It marks a solid step into the aFSMP market in China, and helps Danone to further grow its portfolio covering the full life spectrum.”