Valio selling milk powders to Chinese consumers

Finnish dairy producer Valio has started exporting lactose-free milk powders to the consumer market in China.

Kari Finska senior vice president for Valio said: “Compared to the rest of the world, people in China do not use milk products that much yet, but their usage is growing constantly. This also serves to increase awareness of lactose intolerance and its symptoms.

“Valio is a global pioneer in developing lactose-free products, and the demand for our expertise is growing in China.”

“Even though we are a new face in China’s highly competitive consumer market, the opportunities in China are significant.  At least 80% of the population is lactose intolerant.  Initially, the export amounts will be small compared to other Valio exports.”

The Chinese market is unusual. Online sales have a larger turnover than anywhere else in the world, and over 10% of retail sales are generated online.

Finska added: “Imported groceries are a large part of online shopping, which only makes it natural to make our products available in that way.”

Valio has a long tradition in China. It has been exporting milk and whey powders to China for industrial use since 1991. Since 2008, Valio has had a Chinese subsidiary, Valio Shanghai Ltd.

Valio milk powders will be available from China’s leading online grocery stores.