In recent years, China has begun to acquire a growing appetite for cheese, and a unique taste for cheese is developing quickly in China.
Arla’s business in China is based on the export of high-quality dairy products from Europe, including milk powder, UHT milk and cheese. A new innovation lab in Beijing is now set to ensure that Arla can launch brand new products over the coming years, exclusively developed and produced for Chinese consumers.
“It’s all about developing the next blockbuster product for the Chinese dairy market,” said senior vice president Frede Juulsen. “Our first focus will be to create the right kind of cheese products that will make more Chinese consumers love cheese in new and different ways. But it must be done in a way that respects and contributes to the food trends developing in China, and therefore we are placing this innovation lab in Beijing.”
Arla is working with China’s leading dairy company – Mengniu Dairy Group – to strengthen the Chinese dairy industry when it comes to milk quality, food safety and quality control on the dairy farms, based on the principles in Arla’s European quality programme, Arlagården.
To begin with, the innovation lab will employ four people, including cheese makers and innovation specialists with Danish or Chinese backgrounds. They will work with customers and consumer groups, as well as with Arla’s strategic business partner in China, Mengniu.
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