Finnish dairy pioneer Valio has started exporting lactose-free milk powders to China, being the first in the market to do so.
The milk powders will be available from China’s leading online grocery stores.
“Compared to the rest of the world, people in China do not use milk products that much yet, but their usage is growing constantly,” says Kari Finska, senior VP.
“This also serves to increase awareness of lactose intolerance and its symptoms.”
“Even though we are a new face in China’s highly competitive consumer market, the opportunities in China are significant,” he says.
“At least 80% of the population is lactose intolerant.”
“Initially, the export amounts will be small compared to other Valio exports.”
The company says China’s online sales have a larger turnover than anywhere else in the world, and over 10% of retail sales are generated online.
“Imported groceries are a large part of online shopping, which only makes it natural to make our products available in that way”, says Finska.
The company has been exporting milk and whey powders to China for industrial use since 1991.
Its Chinese subsidiary, Valio Shanghai, serves the baby food industry since 2008.
