FDBusiness.com

Valio, the Finnish dairy and food group, has selected Univar Solutions, a global chemical and ingredient distributor, to distribute its Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders to create new opportunities in the food industry across a number of European countries. The product range will allow food manufacturers in the region to deliver new recipes that satisfy the growing consumer trend around lactose free products.

With this exclusive agreement, Univar Solutions and Valio are well-positioned to meet the needs of manufacturers of confectionery, ice cream, dairy, bakery, ready meal, special nutrition and other products, who are seeking innovative lactose free solutions. Products made with Valio Eila® lactose free ingredients provide a number of benefits, including aiding in digestive comfort while providing nutritional value. In addition, they offer natural sugar reduction and protein enrichment. These ingredients offer lactose intolerant individuals the opportunity to enjoy dairy based products without unpleasant symptoms caused by indigestion.

“With increased consumer awareness of digestive wellness and market growth in “free from” products across Europe, our partnership with Valio on their Eila® range of lactose free ingredients provides Univar Solutions with an exciting, new opportunity. These unique ingredients will further expand our portfolio and enhance our value to all customers seeking to develop innovative recipes with a lactose free claim across multiple categories,” says Simon Atkins, industry director food ingredients EMEA for Univar Solutions.

Approximately 70 percent of the world’s population suffers from some level of lactose intolerance. As the awareness of digestive wellness and lactose intolerance is increasing all over the world, consumers are looking for lactose free solutions that don’t compromise on premium quality and taste in their food. Eila® PRO lactose free milk powders are manufactured from fresh Finnish milk using Valio’s patented technology for an unchanged milk mineral composition and natural taste of milk.

Timo Pajari, SVP International Sales of Valio, says: “We are excited to partner with Univar Solutions in expanding our footprint in the lactose free food space. Consumers have become more educated and aware of digestive wellness and the benefits of a “free from” diet and are looking for more options in lactose free products. Valio portfolio of clean-label, sustainable and on-trend food solutions fits perfectly into our ambition of serving customers even better. We can provide customized, free-from ingredient solutions to the European market, and with Univar Solutions we know we have chosen the right partner. With their extensive market reach, technical expertise and collaborative approach to supplier partnerships, together, we are looking forward to a productive, fulfilling journey.”

The countries included in the distribution partnership include:  Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Greece.