Fonterra, a New Zealand-based global dairy cooperative headquartered in Auckland, highlighted its commitment to health-focused innovations in dairy at its R&D Centre in Palmerston North. Dr. Pierre Venter, Director of R&D, emphasized developing next-generation dairy solutions aimed at the aging global population, focusing on high-protein, low-viscosity products to support healthy aging and nutrition.
Fonterra, a New Zealand-based multinational dairy cooperative, is stepping up its innovation efforts in protein-rich dairy to cater to the rising nutritional demands of an aging global population. The company, headquartered in Auckland with key R&D operations in Palmerston North, is focusing on developing dairy-based solutions that enhance health without sacrificing taste or texture.
Dr. Pierre Venter, Director of Fonterra’s Research and Development Centre, emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to “next generation dairy solutions.” These innovations are aimed at meeting specific nutritional requirements, such as increased protein and calcium intake, essential for preventing frailty in elderly individuals.
One of the standout features of Fonterra’s approach is its ability to boost protein content without increasing viscosity—a critical factor in product development for both elderly consumers and medical applications. In countries like Japan, where predictive online tools are being developed to assess frailty risk, the need for targeted dietary solutions is even more pronounced.
Fonterra’s innovations extend across consumer categories, from convenient food options to specialized medical nutrition products. Venter stressed the importance of integrating safety and quality into every development stage, ensuring the new formulations meet strict health standards while also aligning with market trends.
The cooperative’s R&D team uses real-time market insights to shape product innovation, with a strong emphasis on foods that support mobility, bone health, and muscle maintenance. According to Venter, this approach is crucial as the global population not only ages but also grows, creating heightened demand for nutrient-dense, functional foods.
Fonterra also credits its success to the high-quality milk sourced from New Zealand’s dairy farmers. This superior raw material forms the foundation for the cooperative’s competitive edge in the global food service industry.
By investing in science-backed, health-oriented dairy products, Fonterra positions itself as a leader in nutritional innovation, reinforcing its role in addressing the dietary needs of current and future generations.
