International

Dairy Foods, March, 2004 by Gina Kuhn

Recent media attention surrounding cholesterol created a new market for dairy products that work to reduce the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad cholesterol" levels found in the body. Glanbia Dairies introduced an innovative product in the United Kingdom called Heartily Healthy cholesterol-reducing cheese alternative. Claimed to be "like a cigarette that cures lung cancer," as cheese products typically contain high levels of cholesterol, the company states that the Cheddar-style product is made using milk that has had the dairy fat replaced with wheat germ oil--an ingredient known to combat cholesterol. Similarly, St. Hubert Food introduced a vanilla-flavored yogurt in France that is enriched with vegetable stanol to "help reduce cholesterol levels, within context of a controlled diet."

Although the number of organic dairy products is declining in many European countries, activity levels are significantly increasing in Italy where producers such as Coop Italia and Esselunga launched a number of items. Notable introductions include Coop Italia's organic Parmesan cheese and banana yogurt items under the Bio-Logici label and Esselunga's organic fresh cheese spread that is claimed to be "ideal for crackers and on vegetables." Activity levels are also rising in other countries including Australia where Soyganic Foods introduced the Soygurt product line, which is described as being a delicious dairy- and sugar-free yogurt made with organic soy beans, natural fruit and live cultures.

To provide the perfect late night drink, Japan-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical developed Nemu, a new beverage made with milk taken during the late night hour--the very time when cows' melatonin levels are presumed to be the highest. Melatonin is often studied for its ability to regulate the body's internal clock, explaining the company's decision to develop the product based on research by Kuopio University, an educational institute in Finland that specializes in healthcare research. If a traditional hot drink is preferred, Woolworths introduced to South African markets a honey-flavored low-fat milk drink that can be warmed in the microwave.

Contributed by Gina Kuhn, research consultant, Global New Products Database (GNPD), a division of Mintel International, a global research company. For more information call 312/932-0400, or visit www.gnpd.com.