NZMP, the ingredients brand of Fonterra, has launched NZMP GOLD Whole Milk Powder for UHT. Designed specifically for UHT beverages, the new product is said to give manufacturers longer production runs over standard milk powders, as well as cleaner labelling on their final product and consistent shelf life stability.

The product is claimed to offer superior UHT stability and consistent product performance in the process and the formulation, and to have good solubility and flow properties as well as the rich creamy flavour manufacturers have come to expect from NZMP premium dairy ingredients.

Jarod Brain, a Senior Research Engineer at Fonterra Research and Development Centre, said UHT milk has become increasingly price sensitive and as a result the R&D team looked for ways to enable customer cost efficiencies during the manufacturing process.

“By developing an even more stable UHT whole milk powder, we’ve been able to reduce the rate of fouling within UHT sterilisers. This allows businesses to run production lines for longer and reduces batch losses, compared to standard whole milk powders. Fewer batch losses mean that our customers are able to minimise wastage, which is also great for the environment,” said Brain.

Not content with just looking for savings in the manufacturing process, Fonterra says it also identified ways to help UHT milk manufacturers differentiate from competitors and increase their consumer sales proposition.

“Clean labelling is a trend affecting more and more food and beverage companies – and UHT milk is included in this. By controlling critical parameters in the UHT whole milk powder, we’ve been able to reduce the need for our customers to use any additives to manage processing challenges, meaning fewer ingredients on their final ingredient list,” said Brain. “Changes in the manufacturing process also allow us to help our customers achieve a longer, more consistent shelf life in their product.”

NZMP GOLD Whole Milk Powder for UHT is the result of more than two years of research and development, including working closely with a leading producer of UHT milk drinks to meet their specific manufacturing and shelf-life stability requirements. The product is a result of collaboration with this customer and is now their preferred ingredient, Fonterra said.