Arla Foods is demonstrating how its organic dairy proteins can help meet emerging opportunities for premium kids’ snacks in China.

The company has said that an expanding middle-class population is fuelling demand for premium products in China, which has the world’s second largest population of children.

Organic food is seen as premium, safe, healthy and natural, and the country’s organic market is expected to grow by 16.3% between 2020 and 2025.

One of the main categories driving growth is baby food and formula.

57% of young mothers in China consider organic a highly important food attribute.

Many already choose organic formula for infants, but evidence also points to opportunities for organic products for older children.

44% of young women with children say they would consider organic foods as their first choice if they were more readily available.

New Arla organic lines

Arla Foods recently added new organic lines to its Nutrilac range of functional protein solutions.

Yuanyuan Li, sales manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Children have a special place in Chinese culture, and the growing number of affluent middle-class parents want the very best for them.

This is driving demand for snacks that can be trusted as safe and nutritious, and an increasing interest in organic and clean-label options. High-quality dairy protein is a perfect match for these needs.

“Our new recipe concepts demonstrate the potential for health-focused innovation in the Chinese market, and highlight the opportunities to expand product lines with organic and premium options.”