Finnish dairy firm Valio has committed to halving the sugar levels in snack-type dairy products, particularly yoghurt, by 2020.
The group said it was responding to its consumer demand and growing its low-sugar snacks range.
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Valio said consumer interest in the sugar content of foods is a "strong trend" globally and in Finland. It suggested studies showed half of Europeans are looking to lower their sugar consumption.
Valio marketing manager Elli Siltala said one-third of Valio’s milk-based snack products sold in Finland are already sugar-free or contain at least 30% less added sugar compared to ordinary snack products.
"Our point of departure is excellent by international comparison. It’s a good basis for further development, and we believe our expertise in making products that contain less sugar but are nevertheless equally tasty will be of benefit in the export market, too," said Siltala.
In September, Valio will launch yoghurts with less sugar. The Valiojogurtti Rahkainen line "will be a better choice" as it contains high-protein quark and low-sugar yoghurt. There will be spoonable yoghurt and drinking yoghurt variants.
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By GlobalDataValio will launch its sugar initiative by extending its range of snack products containing less added sugar for both adults and children, and by communicating the sugar content of the products more clearly on package labels and on the company's website.
