March 12, 2004

A Big Increase Seen in China's Liquid Milk Consumption
 

An eFeedLink Exclusive Report
 

As the dietary structure evolves, it has become a habit for many urban dwellers in China to consume a packet of milk every day. According to official figures from the China Dairy Industry Association (CDIA), a total of 5.12 million tons of liquid milk products was produced in China between January and November 2003, making up 80% of the overall milk products during the same period. The production of liquid milk between January and November 2003 registered a sharp jump of 58% compared to the same period in 2002.

UHT (Ultra High Temperature) processing and aseptic filler technology represents a significant leap in the field of milk product processing in the 20th century. This production technology was first introduced into China in the 1980's. After 1997, the growing consumption of milk products followed by rapid advances in pasteurized milk has led to changes in the make up of liquid milk products.

Official statistics showed that pasteurized milk currently accounts for 46.1% of liquid milk products in China, while sterilized milk and yogurt products constitute 31.4% and 22.5% respectively.

According to CDIA council chief Mr Song Kungang, the rapid progress in UHT processing skill has accelerated the restructuring of milk products in China, thus easing the quandary arising from the unequal development between the dairy industries in both north and south China. At the same time, the widespread use of UHT skill also creates conducive conditions for more urban and rural dwellers, who do not have access to refrigeration, to consume liquid milk.