February 28, 2005

South Korean skimmed milk sales rising sharply

Sales of skimmed milk in South Korea are rising sharply as consumers warm to the benefits of low-fat dairy products to their health and diet, industry sources said Monday.

Daily sales of low-fat milk at Seoul Milk Co. jumped 153 per cent last year from 2003 to 159,889 packs. One pack contains 200 milliliters.

The nation's leading milk producer said daily sales in 2005 range from 220,000-250,000 packs.

"Women in their 20s who have a high interest in their diet, and women in their 30s who (dislike) normal milk favor our low-fat products," a company spokesman said.

Maeil Dairy Industry Co. saw sales of its low-fat milk grow 476.2 per cent from a year ago to 27.33 million packs last year.

Revenue from "fat-free milk" sold by Pasteur Milk Co. increased from 220 million won (US$219,200) in December to 450 million won in January and 700 million won in February.

Other dairy producers have begun introducing skimmed milk products with added vitamins and minerals to lure more consumers, the sources said.