Emmi launches lactose-free milk

SWITZERLAND – Innovative dairy group Emmi has launched a new lactose-free milk in Switzerland.

The milk is the first 100% lactose-free milk to be launched in the country, and the technology is used under licence from Finnish dairy group Valio, with which Emmi already has a close relationship. It has had the rights for Valio’s LGG probiotic product since 1995.

The production process removes all lactose but retains much of the taste of the 1.5% milk. Traditionally, milk contains about 5% lactose.

The product is aimed at lactose intolerant consumers, who in the past have had to rely largely on soy milk.

Emmi is the first company to use Valio’s technology after the owner launched a lactose-free milk drink in Finland in September 2001. The same milk was introduced in Sweden in November 2002. On the back of this success, Valio has also launched lactose-free cream and yogurts.