DSM says health appeal of lactose-free is opportunity in emerging markets

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Lactose-free dairy products are seen as healthier in China and Colombia, according to a new DSM report.
Lactose-free dairy products are seen as healthier in China and Colombia, according to a new DSM report.

Related tags Lactose-free dairy Milk Innovation

DSM’s latest Global Insight Series report says the main reason consumers purchase lactose-free dairy products in emerging markets such as Colombia and China is the health appeal of the products, not merely lactose-intolerance.

In China and Colombia, 82% and 73% (respectively) of the consumers agree that lactose-free dairy is healthier than regular dairy. 

Respondents also indicated that they would increase consumption if lactose-free dairy was reduced in fat and sugar. Thus, understanding the specific health benefits of lactose-free dairy over regular dairy in upcoming markets can further drive product innovation and consumer interest.

Marten Paasman, global business line manager of dairy enzymes, said, “This report gives valuable insights into how lactose-free dairy products can be further developed and positioned, making the most of the wide array of positively perceived health benefits by consumers.”​  

Paasman said that as a supplier of enzymes for low lactose and lactose-free products, DSM has been working with customers around the world to innovate the category beyond lactose-intolerance.

The report​ compared results from China and Colombia to the mainstream low-lactose market in Finland, the world’s leading consumers of lactose-free dairy products.

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