Chr Hansen launches next-generation cultures for fresh dairy producers

Supporting one’s health has never been more important, and consumers worldwide are increasingly interested in purchasing foods that support well-being while still being affordable amid growing economic uncertainty. Fresh dairy producers intending to keep pace with these trends must satisfy evolving demands while managing intense competition and shrinking margins within their industry.

Chr Hansen has announced the launch of its next-generation premium cultures, which help producers achieve their strategic goals, whether they wish to offer indulgent, high-texture yogurt with fewer additives; improve margins by reducing the need for expensive skim milk powder; or create healthier, premium yogurts with the optimal amount of probiotics.

Fewer additives for a cleaner label

YoFlex Premium uses the power of good bacteria to create high texture naturally, reducing the need for expensive added ingredients, such as skim milk powder, said Chr Hansen. With YoFlex Premium, producers can make the change they need, whether it is differentiating their offerings within the premium segment with an all-natural ingredients list or reducing costs by reducing inputs.

“YoFlex Premium is unique because it yields exceptionally high mouth thickness and mild flavor, both of which are crucial for creating new taste experiences,” says Thomas Skaaning, senior vice president, Food Cultures & Enzymes, Chr Hansen. “While taste is the primary differentiator for many dairies, the most strategic players in our industry succeed because they understand that texture is the other half of the equation, as it strongly influences how taste is perceived.”

Skaaning notes that consumers have echoed this sentiment. “Earlier this year, results from a survey we conducted in France found that texture scored second-highest among purchase motivators for consumers buying yogurt and fermented milks, after value for money. To us, this underscores the additional value of YoFlex Premium, because it suggests that consumers will welcome the enhanced texture it creates, irrespective of whether producers are looking to reduce added ingredients or lower costs.”

Response to consumer interest in foods that support health

Chr Hansen is also launching three new nu-Trish Premium cultures that include the world’s most-documented probiotics linked to immune and digestive health, Bifidobacterium, BB-12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG, claimed Chr Hansen.

With recent events, consumer priorities have evolved worldwide, with six out of ten, stating they are more conscious of their immune health and general well-being than before. 35% of global consumers have reported increased use of foods to boost immunity. More specifically, 70% of consumers in Europe and 77% in the United States associate probiotics with boosting their immune health.

“Never before has the need to eat for health been more urgent. In this way, our launch of nu-trish Premium’s newest generation comes at the perfect moment, enabling producers to offer premium yogurts while helping to support the health of consumers. And as we look to the future, we are committed to helping shape a food system that cannot only feed the world, but help it thrive, too,” says Skaaning.

Two products, one promise

While each has its benefits, YoFlex Premium, and nu-Trish Premium share one promise. “Together, the newest generation of Premium cultures represents an opportunity for fresh dairy producers to elevate the value of traditional yogurt by advancing its inherently tasty and nutritious benefits in a natural way. This makes the Premium cultures The Perfect Partner™ for producers committed to excellence,” says Skaaning.

This newest generation of Premium cultures marks the beginning of a new chapter in Chr Hansen’s ongoing collaboration with dairy producers to ensure their products remain relevant amid a shifting competitive landscape. “We look forward to illustrating for our customers why these next-generation Premium cultures are The Perfect Partner for the raw material milk —but we also hope that producers continue to see Chr Hansen as the ‘perfect partner’ in a more holistic sense,” says Skaaning.

“We aim to leverage our more than 145 years of experience, scientific expertise, and on-the-ground support capabilities and comprehensively apply them to our customers’ existing production processes,” says Skaaning. “With this launch, we underscore our commitment to working alongside our customers, co-creating food products whose taste, texture, and health benefits delight consumers and support their well-being. Together, we can raise the bar and advance the frontier for what is possible for yogurt-making.”