According to Food Ingredients First, at the Food Ingredients China exhibition (March 17–19, Shanghai), Lactalis Ingredients presented solutions for the dairy industry aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-protein and functional products in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

The company positions China as one of the key growth markets in dairy, sports nutrition, and infant nutrition segments.

Rising Demand for Dairy Protein

The region is seeing sustained growth in interest in high-protein products, driven by increased focus on health, active lifestyles, and nutrition quality.

According to Marion Bucas, Marketing Director at Lactalis Ingredients, ingredients such as Laktein whey proteins, Pronativ proteins, and micellar casein help manufacturers meet demand for functional products due to their high nutritional value, clean label positioning, and versatility.

In particular, Pronativ proteins are derived from milk using gentle membrane filtration, preserving their natural structure, purity, and amino acid profile.

Functional Products Expand Beyond Sports Nutrition

Protein demand is no longer limited to sports nutrition but is expanding into mainstream categories, including:

  • yogurts
  • beverages
  • bakery products
  • traditional foods

The company also introduced a concept of protein bars based on casein and whey proteins, designed for everyday consumption and combining nutrition, taste, and convenience.

Growth of Specialized Nutrition

According to Bucas, the specialized nutrition segment is expanding rapidly:

  • aging populations are driving demand for products supporting mobility and health
  • younger consumers are seeking solutions for sports performance and recovery

At the same time, on-the-go formats are gaining popularity, including:

  • ready-to-drink (RTD) protein beverages
  • high-protein snacks
  • fortified powders

Impact of GLP-1 on the Dairy Market

Another emerging driver is the growing use of GLP-1-based weight management medications.

In the APAC region, sales in the obesity treatment segment have increased by 221%, creating a new category of consumers.

GLP-1 users tend to consume less food but prefer nutrient-dense products, including:

  • yogurt
  • cottage cheese
  • whey proteins

Dairy proteins play a key role by supporting satiety, muscle maintenance, and metabolic health.

Technological Solutions for Manufacturers

Lactalis presented a range of ingredients for various applications:

  • Laktein WPC80 — for protein enrichment
  • Pronativ Native Whey Protein — for sports nutrition
  • rennet casein — for protein bars and cheese analogues
  • Flowhey — high-flow whey powders

Whey proteins provide fast absorption and stimulate muscle protein synthesis, while casein ensures slow amino acid release and prolonged satiety.

Addressing Technological Challenges

The company also showcased solutions to key production challenges:

  • in RTD beverages — protein stability during heat treatment
  • in protein bars — prevention of hardening over time
  • in cheese analogues — achieving proper texture and meltability

Rennet casein provides stable texture, neutral taste, high water-binding capacity, and controlled melting properties.

Adaptation to Climate Conditions

For markets with hot climates, Lactalis offers Flowhey solutions, which feature:

  • low hygroscopicity
  • resistance to caking
  • color stability

These properties help maintain product quality during transportation and storage.

Source: Food Ingredients First