A Melbourne-based beverage company has reportedly developed state-of-the-art technology that extends the shelf life of fresh milk to 100 days.The company, MADE, has reportedly announced a U.S.$1.5m export agreement for 200,000 litres of Australian fresh milk to be shipped to Malaysia each month, starting next month.MADE also produce nutrient water, milk-based protein shakes and coconut water.It is understood that the milk and juices MADE produces endure a higher temperature processing regime than local fresh milk, while still being significantly lower than UHT (Ultra-Heat-Treated) milk.

It is reported that MADE spent nearly U.S.$15 million on processing capability that keeps milk fresher for longer, without compromising taste.

The company now plans to send its fresh milk product to Malaysia by sea, bottled in recyclable containers it makes on site, thereby ensuring "ultra-clean technology."If the Malaysian export deal proves successful, other Asian nations may also be in the company's sights.Following numerous, well-publicized, lethal dairy product scandals in China, fresh milk imports from more developed, food safety-conscious nations have been in high demand among Asia's middle class.In 2014, some larger Australian dairy companies began flying fresh milk to China for an amount estimated to be about 4.5 times the price of fresh milk produced by local Chinese companies.Fresh milk has since travelled from Australia to supermarket shelves in China in seven days.However, MADE's new technology may make it possible for other small companies to capitalize on the dairy demand in Asia.

The development of a 100-day shelf life for fresh milk may call into question the UHT investment the Irish dairy industry has been making in recent years.

Glanbia Consumer Foods Ireland, for example, last November opened its new state-of-the-art UHT milk processing facility in Co. Monaghan.According to Glanbia, the new facility has a processing capacity for up to 100 million litres of milk per annum and it will produce a range of standard and fortified UHT milk and cream products under the Avonmore brand.In December, it was confirmed that imports of liquid milk into China are growing with European countries successfully tapping into the market.Both Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies then confirmed sustained growth in UHT milk sales to China and South East Asia as a whole.“There is a strong market for both plain and unflavoured milks in China,” said Lakeland CEO Michael Hanley.

Articles by tag: shelf life

100-day shelf life of fresh milk no longer stuff of science fiction