Milk.it - 7th National Conference on the world of milk

Soy, almond, oat and rice drinks have appeared in most supermarkets, labeled “milk” and marketed as healthier and more sustainable. & Nbsp; Vegans and lactose intolerant are unlikely to be old enough to drive the change in the price of milk, but the increase in “flexitarian” is a real challenge.

The market is seeing a significant shift towards plant-based and animal-free dairy alternatives; plant and flexible markets can offer a sustainable and reliable solution when it comes to limiting the impact of the food production process on the environment, but still milk alternatives lack the sensory and nutritional properties of real milk, including essential amino acids and proteins As a result, we might expect to see the launch of real dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt without the need for a single cow.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the dairy sector in a number of ways, but the impact varies from region to region. & Nbsp; Farm prices in all markets have been severely disrupted, as found in reports from China , Europe and the United States, but overall consumption of all dairy products increased over the course of 2020, especially during forced lockdowns.
A flood of technological tools have arrived on the market that help farmers become more efficient, profitable and sustainable. & Nbsp; COVID-19 has accelerated the speed of adoption, ranging from milking and feeding robots, to cameras and sensors, to ‘Cow observation and data solutions. & nbsp; Agricultural technology can help address major challenges such as labor shortages, rising production costs and lack of working capital.

Hybrid dairy offers new opportunities in the dairy industry, especially as plant-based alternatives begin to attract a larger segment of consumers besides vegans. Consumers may want to increase their protein intake, cut down on dairy products in the interest of a lactose-free diet, or add more vegetables to their diet.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many consumers are looking for products that go beyond tradition and, for the most part, that promote physical and mental well-being, thus opening up many opportunities in the dairy sector for new and innovative solutions. One trend that is catching on is the introduction of dairy ingredients that improve overall mood or improve physical health.

Functional benefits include improved sleep, reduced stress and calmed anxiety.
New ingredients have been introduced into products, such as milk phospholipids that help manage the effects of stress, allowing consumers to stay focused and positive under stress: Prebiotics used in dairy products stimulate the growth of intestinal bacteria and can help consumers feel less stressed and anxious.
In addition to mood-boosting ingredients, the dairy market is seeing a growing number of launches that affirm health and beauty through the use of heroic ingredients like collagen protein to maintain healthy skin and hair. and calcium for stronger teeth and bones.

Cremona Fiere in collaboration with AITA as part of the periodic event Milk.it will discuss all the implications of this market (nutrition, health, production, distribution, marketing) in comparison with the traditional one.