October dairy product round-up

As always, we invite contributions to this monthly feature. New product details - along with a photo - can be sent to us here​.

New look for Seriously Spreadable range

In the UK, Lactalis McLelland is unveiling a new look for its Seriously Spreadable range which includes a packaging makeover and new brand identity.

New-look packs are appearing in-store now as part of a phased roll out.

First to relaunch is Seriously Spreadable Squares, which will feature enhancements on-pack, including: a new logo, new graphics, ‘Creamy’ taste descriptor and real cheddar imagery.    

Later in the year, Seriously Spreadable Tubs will also be relaunched, with a new design aimed at reinforcing the brand’s real Scottish Cheddar credentials directly on pack.

The relaunch will be supported by in-store and in-home sampling activity as well as social media activity throughout the autumn.

Kerry Foods’ GoGo’s refreshed packaging

Kerry Foods’ GoGo’s Protein Snacks, introduced to the range in February this year, will see refreshed packaging for some of its products that includes a ‘simplified protein message.’

GoGo’s protein snacks are available now:

Protein Power, Ultimate Boost: 70g (RRP: £2)

Soy broad beans & roasted edamame beans, reduced fat cheese bites and Chorizo bites

Protein Snack, Crunchy Bean Boost: 55g (RRP: £1.50)

Roasted edamame beans & chilli and lime peas, reduced fat cheese bites and dark chocolate covered coffee beans and pretzel sticks

Protein Snack, Oat Boost:  55g (RRP: £1.50)

Spicy roasted corn & roasted edamame beans, reduced fat cheese bites and fruity and seeded flapjacks

The new packaging will be available from the beginning of October.

Connage Highland Dairy launches cheese in Japan

 Following the export of products to France and the US, Scottish cheese company Connage Highland Dairy has introduced of one of its cheeses to department stores in Japan.

The Bradan is Gruth cheese, a combination of Connage Highland Crowdie and Hebridean Smokehouse peat smoked salmon, was introduced in Japan at the Mitsukoshu department store in Nihombashi, and is also being served at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

Arla Protein Milk new for UK

Arla Foods, the farmer owned dairy company, has expanded its protein range with the launch of Arla Protein Milk.

The milk contains 20g of protein per serving.

The launch joins other products in the Arla Protein range including Arla Protein Yogurt, Arla Protein Milkshakes, Cottage Cheese and Protein Pouches for on the go.

Rodda’s clotted cream launches in Australia

Rodda’s clotted cream company has teamed up with Somerdale International, the exporter of British dairy products, to export Cornish clotted cream to Australia. 

The first deliveries were made to high-end retailers, delis, hotels and cafes initially in New South Wales and Victoria and thereafter to distributors in Western Australia and South Australia.

Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream holds a Protected Designation of Origin status, the European Union award designed to protect traditional and regional foods.

Rodda Classic Cornish Clotted Cream will be available in a range of pack sizes including:

• 20g portions for use on airlines, cruise ships and in hotels and cafes

• 113g retail backs for delis and retailers

• 907g food service pack for distributors to hotels, restaurants and cafes

Drupe Foods India introduces vegan milk

Drupe has launched India’s first bottled almond milk without preservatives, sugar, additives or artificial flavoring.

Drupe Foods India founder and COO, Meeta A Madhok told DairyReporter the product is available online and in 180 retail stores, cafes and hotels.

Drupe Foods India is a registered startup and has set up its 6,000-liter-per-day almond milk manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh.

She said the product is, "The new white gold of India; in times to come it will be a platform for other smaller vegan start-ups to partner and sell their products."​

She said while Indians love cows’ milk, “for them to accept a futuristic product unsweetened vegan milk is commendable.”​

Granarolo G+ breaks down milk to reduce sugar

In November, Italy’s Granarolo Group is launching Granarolo GPlus, a milk beverage with 30% less sugar.

Granarolo G+ is made from 100% Italian milk. The production process involves breaking down the milk sugar - lactose - into its two simple sugars - glucose and galactose - to make it suitable for everyone, even people who are lactose-intolerant or find it difficult to digest.

Then, a patented filtering system is used to separate the different parts of the milk, obtaining a product with 30% less sugar than normal milk, without affecting its nutritional elements.

The full Granarolo G+ range is as follows:

Two 1-liter refrigerated variants, pasteurized at high temperatures (half-skimmed milk beverage, skim milk beverage);

1-liter long-life shelf items (in half-skimmed milk beverage, and skim milk beverage variants)

The half-liter long-life shelf items come in three variants: one with magnesium, vitamins B6 and B12; one with fiber, and vitamins A and D3; and one with omega3 (EPA and DHA), with vitamins A and D3.

Halo Top Creamery debuts non-dairy and vegan flavors

Halo Top Creamery launched a dairy-free line of its low-calorie ice cream made with coconut milk. The new range is available in flavors including peanut butter cup, chocolate, oatmeal cookie, sea salt caramel, caramel macchiato, cinnamon roll and chocolate covered banana.

“The number one request that we get from our fans is to make a non-dairy and vegan-friendly version of Halo Top. Whether you have to or choose to restrict dairy – or only eat vegan – we always want to make sure we listen to our fans,”​ Justin Woolverton, founder & CEO of Halo Top, said.

“It took a long time to ‘get it right’.”​

Each of the non-dairy flavors range from 280-360 calories, with 16-24 grams of sugar per pint.

HP Hood brings back seasonal eggnog

HP Hood has announced the availability of its eggnog products for the 2017 holiday season. Sold in dairy cases throughout the US Northeast, Hood Golden Eggnog is joined by vanilla, pumpkin and light eggnog.

Hood Golden Eggnog is available in half gallon, quart and 14-ounce containers, and the limited edition flavors are available in quarts, the company said.

Starbucks to launch almond milk beverage line

Starbucks, in partnership with PepsiCo, announced an update to its US portfolio in 2018 to include dairy-free versions of its RTD cold brew coffee and Frappuccino lines along with the launch of Starbucks Doubleshot Coffee Smoothies – all made with almond milk.  

The beverages will be sold in major grocery stores nationwide, Starbucks said.

The company’s RTD cold brew line will be available starting February 2018 in two new flavors: vanilla & fig and sweetened black. Starbucks’ long-standing bottled Frappuccino line will be available in its non-dairy almond milk version in vanilla and mocha flavors in May 2018, according to the company.

Also in May 2018, Starbucks will debut its Doubleshot Coffee Smoothies made with “real fruit and almond milk” ​in dark chocolate banana and vanilla honey banana.

To date, Starbucks’ RTD segment has approximately 88% market share in the RTD coffee category and 73% market share in the overall RTD category, and has grown to more than $2bn annual retail business out of the $2.1bn overall RTD category, according to IRI’s latest data for the 52 weeks ending Oct. 1, 2017.

Ben & Jerry’s One Sweet World ice cream

Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry’s has launched another flavor with a social justice cause in the US, called “One Sweet World,”​ with proceeds going towards those “working at the intersection of economic and social justice,” ​the Vermont ice cream maker said.  ​

The ice cream is a coffee caramel flavor with fudge chunks and swirls of marshmallow and salted caramel.

Pack’d launches frozen whey protein smoothies

Pack’d, a British health food company, has launched a trio of frozen whey protein smoothie kits. The packs contain a mix of frozen fruit and vegetables with a blend of organic whey protein containing up to 20 grams of protein per package.

Pack’d kits can be blended with dairy milk, almond milk, or coconut water, aimed at simplifying the smoothie making process, the company said.

“They’re frozen, so the nutrition is locked in for you to blend fresh, with no need to worry about hidden preservatives, pasteurization, adding ice or wasting any precious food,”​ the brand said.

The line will be available in the UK in three flavors: cherry choc, apple crumble, and strawberry shake for an SRP of £3.50 per 2x140g pack.

Danone India introduces Neocate infant formula

Earlier this month, Danone India launched its infant formula brand Neocate​. The formula is hypoallergenic, amino acid-based formula (AAF), and intended for use in dietary management of Cow’s Milk Allergy, the most common food allergy in infants and young children globally, according to Danone.

Commenting on the launch, Rodrigo Lima, Danone India managing director, said, “The launch of Neocate is a step towards realising our ambition for India, by bringing global solutions for the management of CMA. ​

“Neocate will help to address the growing challenges of healthcare professionals and parents in the dietary management of Cow’s Milk Allergy, making everyday life little easier for families.”​

Bam launches honey-sweetened RTD milk flavors

British brand Bam has launched a range of chocolate- and banana-flavored milk beverages made without artificial colors, preservatives, or refined sugars in an effort to appeal to health-conscious consumers monitoring their sugar intake.

The beverages are made with milk, honey, banana and cocoa, with each 330ml carton containing 11g of protein.

“With honey appealing to 41% of UK adults as an alternative to refined white sugar, it’s ideal for customers looking for a hit of natural goodness to keep them going,”​ the company said.

The two milks flavors are now available in the UK at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Selfridges with a recommended retail price of £1.50 for 330ml package.

TH's new TOPKID milk for children

In Vietnam, TH has launched a new TOPKID formula, with organic milk combined with micronutrients.

TH said the micronutrients - DHA, folic acid, calcium and vitamins B1, B6, C and D - are scientifically calculated in terms of content and composition with three optimum benefits that support the development of the child.

The product is available in Natural Vanilla Ice Cream flavor.