Markets ¦ IDM
January/February 2022 ¦ international-dairy.com · 23
Sales of Eila lactose-free milk in 2020 grew by more than 50%
compared to 2019, Valio said in a statement adding that customers
in Russia are showing booming interest in both lactose-free, and
this also concerns vegetable "milk".
As explained by the Russian food industry consultant Mikhail
Lachugin, the rise in demand for lactose-free cow's milk as well as
vegetable "milk" promises to shape up the Russian dairy industry
in the coming years.
"Manufacturers of classic dairy products are already working
in this direction. For example, Danone is steadily losing its share of
the Russian dairy market, so hastily began to work on the production
of vegetable alternatives under the Alpro brand in Russia,"
Lachugin said, adding that some juice producers and even grain
companies are also mulling development plans in this segment.
"The huge incomes of large agricultural holdings enable them
to purchase technological lines and began manufacturing these
lactose-free products. One agricultural holding is putting a lot
of effort into such a project right now. The competition in this
segment is expected to intensify, with foreign players are likely
to see their shares of the Russian market significantly reducing,"
Lachugin added.
In addition, the Russian dairy industry seems to recognize bright
opportunities offered by the advanced milk processing segment.
The production of milk powder and whey powder is expected to
become one of the most promising segments of the Russian dairy
industry in the coming years, said Marina Petrova, deputy chairman
of the Moscow Trade and Industry Chamber. The companies
that would opt to developing in this direction could seriously improve
their positions on the market, she added.
Lactose-free milk is a new trend in Russia
/international-dairy.com
