In the soft drink and milk drink sector, trends are indicating that beverages should be made 100% from natural ingredients without containing added sugar.
Against this background, malt beverages promise plenty of potential, because the products are in line with the trends, which are especially popular in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
“In the beverage industry, manufacturers can give innovative extra value to products in a wide range of different segments using malt as an ingredient,” says Kalayanee Poon-asawasombat, head of cluster marketing Asia-Pacific South at SIG Combibloc.
“Combinations of milk and malt are possible, as are formulations using fruit and malt, or yoghurt and malt.”
“Malt extracts are also ideally suited for crossing with various natural flavors. Chocolate or coffee flavors are a perfect complement to malt, and it also combines well with fruit.”
Malt is produced by germinating and drying cereal grains such as barley, wheat, rye or spelt in a malting process. For the subsequent processing into foods, the grains are crushed or ground.
Malt is also used to make alcoholic beverages – primarily in brewing beer, as well as whiskey.
And it is also used as an ingredient in bread and pastries, sweets, and alcohol-free malt beer or so-called ‘Nährbier’ (nourishing beer).
Another classic is the use of malt in breakfast drinks.
The caffeine-free, sweet alternatives to coffee products are drunk not only by adults but by children as well.
Brand names such as Ovaltine (Ovomaltine in some European countries) and Horlicks offer instant powder for malt drinks and as ready-to-drink products.
In Vietnam, FrieslandCampina markets Ovaltine beverages in aseptic carton packs.
High-quality protein
Malt beverages were originally strengthening, restorative products for growing children, as well as for people who are ill and the elderly.
Athletes soon discovered the products as well.
Malt beverages are a good energy source, because malt is packed full of vitamins, minerals, starch, protein and trace elements.
The nutrients in malt beverages are quickly absorbed and processed by the body.
Malt beverages, which naturally have a nutty-sweet, slightly buttery taste, are therefore an ideal source of energy for mental and physical activity.
They can also alleviate stress.
‘Hollandia Malt & Milk Drink’ new in Nigeria
The product concepts and innovations can often be customized to cater the taste preferences in various regions and target groups.
For instance, with its Hollandia Malt & Milk Drink, Nigeria’s largest producer of Juice, Nectar, Still Drink & Liquid Dairy products, CHI Ltd., has its sights on dynamic consumers who are looking for natural, tasty and wholesome beverages to quickly and effectively top up the body’s own energy reserves between meals.
Hollandia Malt & Milk Drink is a ready to drink, premixed malt and milk combination that combines the energy of malt and the goodness of milk in one sip.
Before, consumers mixed malt drinks with milk to get this rejuvenating combination.
