New Zealand-based NZMP, a global dairy ingredients and solutions business of Fonterra, will promote one of the broadest ranges of dairy ingredients available globally at the 24th edition of Gulfood, to be held next week in Dubai, UAE.

The event, a global leading annual food and beverage trade exhibition, will take place from February 17 to 21, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

NZMP said that the rising consumer demand for quality nutrition means food and beverage manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa have a great opportunity to adapt their products to meet the region’s growing health consciousness – and utilise NZMP’s world-leading dairy expertise to do so.

Using its technical expertise, the company has integrated nutrition-based ingredients, particularly protein, into a wide variety of products. This allows customers to target a range of consumers using everyday food and beverage formats, right through to specialised sports nutrition.
    
Launches of new products claiming high and added protein increased by 140 per cent in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) between 2013 and 2018, according to the Mintel Global New Product Database.

Protein is the top on-pack claim for new product releases in Middle East and Africa. The NZMP team will be addressing this demand by showcasing versatile high protein concepts to suit different needs of the region’s manufacturers. These include innovative product concepts designed for the sports and active lifestyle market such as ready-to-mix protein powder solutions, and protein water (made with new SureProtein Clear WPI).

Simon Penfold, NZMP general manager – Middle East and Africa, said: “We’ll be presenting our protein water to the Middle East and Africa market for the first time at the event.”

“It’s an interesting and unique product in the region as it gives consumers the benefits of dairy protein and hydration in a clear, refreshing low-calorie drink that tastes great,” he added.

Penfold comments on the growing awareness around health and fitness in the region, alongside initiatives of some Middle East and Africa governments to promote healthy lifestyles, and how this impacts consumers’ food and beverage choices.

“The value in health and wellness products is rising rapidly across the Middle East and Africa, this is also evident in reports from Euromonitor. We expect this trend will continue. At the same time, demand grows for affordable nutrition and dairy ingredients that can meet the varied needs of consumers in the Middle East and Africa,” he added.

The middle class in the Middle East and Africa region is growing and in turn, there is also a growing need for dairy nutrition that is at an accessible and affordable value. NZMP will also present a variety of affordable nutrition products at Gulfood 2019 which will enable manufacturers to make sought-after, nutritious foods and beverages available and accessible to emerging markets in Middle East and Africa.

Penfold continued: “Consumers in developing markets and the growing middle class, continue to fuel the demand for affordable dairy ingredients. NZMP’s range provides ingredient solutions that contain dairy goodness and deliver excellent performance and great taste, at an accessible price point. This is particularly relevant for the diverse needs of the Middle East and Africa market.”

Affordable nutrition solutions on show at Gulfood 2019 include NZMP’s new Protein+ Instant Milk Powder, which contains 25 per cent more protein per serve than instant whole milk powder. And a new Low-Cost Pure Instant Dairy Powder which is an all dairy, value for money alternative to instant whole milk powder that delivers a natural creamy taste.

NZMP will also showcase Fat Filled Milk Powder, which is a suitable alternative to consumers wanting to access the goodness of dairy nutrition, without the premium price associated with Full Cream Milk Powder.

In Africa, more than 40 per cent of children aged under 5 are deficient in Vitamin A3 and around 50 per cent of the world’s population are deficient in Vitamin D4. The powder offers an affordable, dairy based ingredient enriched with both these vitamins.

Other NZMP ingredients showcased at Gulfood 2019 include ambient drinking yogurts, high-protein UHT milks, processed cream cheese, and NZMP’s mozzarella range – which ranges from premium through to cost-effective.

NZMP will also be introducing its Risk and Commercial Solutions to the Middle East and Africa market, highlighting PriceLock and PriceCollar. NZMP’s Risk and Commercial Solutions help customers gain certainty, confidence and simplicity within their business by enabling them to secure their supply and take control of their dairy ingredient price exposure, freeing them up to focus on what they do best - adding value.

This year marks the Gulfood is excited to be joining the more than 98,000 attendees from 198 countries, says Penfold.

Penfold said: “We’ve been operating in this market for more than 40 years and we understand the diverse needs of our customers and consumers across the Middle East and Africa. We are continually investing and adapting our ingredient solutions to allow manufacturers to make the most of growing developments in the area.”

“Combining our knowledge of the Middle East and Africa market with the naturalness of New Zealand grass-fed dairy, makes NZMP innovation and ingredients the smart business choice for food and beverage manufacturers in the region,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service