Glanbia is investing in a new facility to produce UHT milk and cream as it looks to meet growing demand in Asia.
A spokesperson for the company told just-food the Irish dairy firm is exploring opportunities in “all export markets”, with a focus on Asia and China in particular.
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“We are exploring export opportunities in a number of markets. China is a major one. We already have a strong footprint and there is further interest.”
In order to capitalise on growing demand in China for UHT products, Glanbia will open a processing facility in Monaghan. The site will employ 40 people in 2014.
Demand for dairy products is booming in China as increasingly affluent consumers adopt westernised eating habits.
According to research from Euromonitor International, dairy sales increased by 15% annually between 2006 and 2012. During this period, imports increased four-fold as domestic producers have not increased production in line with growing demand and successive contamination scares have meant that imported dairy is frequently viewed as a safer option.
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By GlobalDataMilk and cream account for 50% of dairy sales in the country. Flavoured and UHT milk are more popular with Chinese consumers than fresh. Euromonitor forecasts a 16% annual rise in turnover in during 2013-2018.
The company said it will also establish a Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) head office in Dublin to boost international growth.
