Promoting nutrition through dairy protein

According to global market intelligence agency Mintel, Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s leading countries for launching high-protein products, growing 26 per cent on average from 2012 to 2016. At the same time, a Canadian Survey on Consumer Attitude and Behaviours showed that more than half of the Thai population is looking to include protein food products in their regular food diets.
Fonterra NZMP Ingredients general manager for South & East Asia, Hamish Gowans, says that Thai consumers are increasingly seeking specific nutritional benefits to support their growing interest in health and active living, while demanding greater convenience to fit urban, time-poor lifestyles.
“Protein is rapidly evolving from a ‘fitness’ to a ‘health and wellness’ ingredient, as incomes rise and people become more aware of its benefits. Although protein has long been associated with body builders and elite athletes, protein-fortified food has now expanded into the mainstream,” he said.
“Protein boosts and maintains muscle, helps with weight management, improves growth and development, and helps to keep people active as they age. Dairy in particular is an excellent source of high quality protein, and is a tremendous nutritional bundle. Protein from dairy is amongst the highest quality protein available, providing more digestible essential amino acids per gram than other protein options, such as soy,” he added.
In addition, Fonterra Research and Development Centre Nutritionist, Mindy Wigzell, will speak about dairy as nature’s ultimate source of protein on September 13-14, from 12-12.30pm in Seminar Room 5.
The Canadian Survey showed that almost 80 per cent of Thai respondents prefer buying groceries with natural ingredients.
“Consumers are increasingly seeking dairy products from a trusted source and want to know where their food is from. They are looking for natural ingredients, minimal additives and clean labels with a clearly stated origin. Using NZMP ingredients, food manufacturers from around the world are able to meet these demands by leveraging the natural, grass-fed goodness of our New Zealand dairy while trusting in our commitment to food safety and quality,” said Gowans.
To further highlight the ‘New Zealand advantage’, delegates visiting the NZMP stand can get up close to a New Zealand dairy farm via an interactive 360-degree NZMP virtual reality experience. They can also explore ingredients and solutions in the NZMP virtual store that can help to grow their business.
The NZMP exhibit will be at stand X9 and will also feature some of NZMP’s unmatched consumer powders and dairy fats ingredients such as Low Lactose Whole Milk Powder, Super Fortified Skim Milk Powder and Spreadable Butter that spreads straight from the fridge.
“NZMP has a long history of partnering with Asian food and beverage companies to develop nutritious products for their consumers. Attending FIA is a great way to share our world-leading dairy expertise and innovative offerings from New Zealand with the region,” said Gowans.