The first 1,000 days
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The news that Lactalis is again the top dairy processor in the world should come as no surprise to anyone in the industry, or who has bought some of its delicious products in the 150 countries where it operates. Nestlé reclaimed its second spot in the Rabobank annual Top 20 list from Dairy Farmers of America, which is now in third place.
However, the news this year was that, aside from the US, where expansion continues apace with new sites opening, and the inclusion of Mexico’s Grupo Lala on the list, which has displaced Glanbia, most companies remained somewhat static, moving up and down a bit.
This is to be expected the exchange rates shift and China continues to improve its dairy output and to reduce the imports accordingly. Indeed, as we’ve seen in India (which exports very little), the internal dairy processing portion of production can be improved, and the domestic markets fed, via nutritious dairy. GCMMF (Amul) did see its position drop from 12 to 14, however.
Meanwhile, in the US, there is a marketing programme to support maternal and baby health via infant nutrition, by emphasising the importance of a child’s first 1,000 days. This is being communicated using traditional and social media, along with other outlets. As Megan Maisano, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs for the National Dairy Council in the US says, this collective strategy by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), National Dairy Council (NDC), Innovation Center for US Dairy, US Dairy Export Council, Newtrient, GENYOUth, a 16-team state and regional network and MilkPEP, will resonate with health professionals and consumers given its solid scientific foundation. She highlights an American Academy of Pediatrics statement identifying 14 essential nutrients for early brain development, with dairy providing seven of them. Maisano says, “Good nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood plays a foundational role in enabling a child to grow, learn and thrive. Dairy is an affordable, accessible food group that contributes really important nutrients, especially in those early years.”
- Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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