U.S. Dairy Unveils Healthful Innovation Solutions at Fi Asia Indonesia 2024

Nutritional and functional U.S. dairy ingredients transform everyday food, snacks, and beverages into healthier options Indonesian consumers seek.

JAKARTA, September 2, 2024 – The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is showcasing the transformative potential of U.S. dairy ingredients at Fi Asia Indonesia 2024. At Booth D25 within the USA Pavilion, USDEC will highlight how these high-quality ingredients such as dairy proteins, permeate and milk powders elevate familiar food, snack and beverage offerings. These better-for-you, delicious options cater to the evolving taste preferences and lifestyles of health-conscious Indonesian consumers.

Recent market studies commissioned by USDEC in Southeast Asia reveal that consumers in the region are demanding more from their food and beverage choices with snacks being a key focus. The research reveals that 51% of urban Indonesian consumers are purchasing snacks more often than before, and they are exploring a broader range of snack varieties. When it comes to consumption habits, surveyed Indonesian consumers state they had about 12 different snack types in the past three months. Additionally, there is also favorable willingness among urban Indonesian consumers to consider healthier snacks with increased protein content (86%) and an openness to pay a higher price for such products (73%); of these, where 50% stated they would not mind paying up to ten percent more for protein-added snacks. This suggests that the opportunity to innovate Indonesia-friendly protein-boosted snacks is a promising, untapped business opportunity.

Showcasing the Versatile Usage and Innovation Potential of U.S. Dairy Ingredients

At Fi Asia, USDEC will present several refreshing yet nourishing new product concepts made with U.S. dairy ingredients that align with both on-trend regional applications and nutritional needs across various life stages. Two examples include the newly developed Protein Pandan Coconut Granola Bar and the Protein Meringue Gems.

Protein Pandan Coconut Granola Bar: This snack bar, ideal for consumers with active lifestyles and mindful snackers who crave delicious yet light and nutritious snacks, combines the distinctive flavors of pandan and coconut with the benefits of U.S. dairy ingredients. Enriched with U.S. whey protein isolate, U.S. dairy protein crisps and U.S. whey permeate, it delivers a satisfying texture and reduced sodium content, making it an ideal choice for a convenient and satisfying protein boost that helps keep hunger pangs at bay during busy days.
Protein Meringue Gems: Inspired by Southeast Asia’s classic ice gem biscuits, these delicate treats, made with U.S. whey protein isolate, offer adventurous indulgence seekers who desire an enjoyable snacking experience a fun, crunchy snack that melts in the mouth. They provide a light, airy burst of flavor and can serve as a sweet treat, on-the-go bite, or protein-enhanced topper for baked goods.

Martin Teo, Senior Director for Food Applications and Innovation at USDEC Singapore, explains, “U.S. dairy ingredients stand out for their neutral flavor profiles, versatile functional properties and scientifically backed nutritional benefits. Dairy proteins offer a competitive edge, providing all the essential amino acids the body needs unlike those from many plant-based protein sources. Their neutral flavor profile serves as the perfect canvas for manufacturers to innovate both sweet and savory formulations, while enhancing protein quality and quantity.”

Reliable, Sustainable Supply for Global Nutrition

As the world’s largest producer of cow’s milk, the United States offers a consistent source of high-quality dairy ingredients including dairy proteins, whey ingredients and skim milk powder. The U.S. dairy community’s robust infrastructure and extensive technological resources ensure a supply that can meet growing demand in Southeast Asia and globally. An efficient and reliable supply chain ensures Southeast Asian manufacturers have steady access to the ingredients, a crucial consideration for those looking to scale operations while maintaining quality.

The U.S. dairy community is also committed to sustainability, leveraging advanced farming techniques to reduce environmental impact while scaling production to meet global demand. Their diverse portfolio plays a critical role in enhancing global nutrition, particularly in Southeast Asia, by fortifying foods and beverages with quality, nutritious dairy ingredients.

Attendees are invited to visit Booth D25 at Fi Asia Indonesia to sample the delicious and nutritious innovation protypes made with U.S. dairy ingredients. The event also offers an opportunity to connect with U.S. dairy suppliers exhibiting at the show.

Further information on nutrition and innovation with U.S. dairy ingredients, can be found at USdairyexcellence.org and @ThinkUSAdairy on Instagram.

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About U.S. Dairy Export Council

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization of U.S. dairy farmers, processors, allies and traders propelling U.S. dairy solutions to nourish global communities. Together with in-market representatives, USDEC helps expand customers’ ability to successfully tap into U.S. Dairy’s sustainable nutrition with demand-driving marketing, insights and innovation resources. Through its Singaporean-based subsidiary USDEC Singapore Ltd and representative network across the ASEAN region and globe, the Council works directly with buyers and end-users to accelerate customer purchasing and innovation success with quality U.S. dairy products and ingredients. It also shares science-backed information on the health and nutritional benefits U.S. dairy delivers.

About the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence (U.S. CDE)

Established in Singapore in 2020 by USDEC Singapore, Ltd., the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence (U.S. CDE) is a first-of-its-kind learning destination, ideation hub and collaboration space for U.S. dairy customers, health professionals and other U.S. dairy partners in Southeast Asia. The 500 sqm facility located in Singapore’s Robertson Quay, contains a demonstration kitchen, sensory evaluation lab, seminar and meeting rooms, and other features elevating USDEC’s in-region resources to deliver Southeast Asia-friendly nutrition, marketing, and innovation solutions. The U.S. CDE represents the U.S. dairy industry’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and was established by U.S. dairy farmers and processors with the ambition to make it a gateway connecting U.S. suppliers and Southeast Asian customers. Visitors to the U.S. CDE can explore and experience the essence of U.S. Dairy, gaining locally tailored ideation and innovation sparks for U.S. dairy applications, actionable consumer insights, and business-relevant updates on market trends, trade dynamics, nutrition research, environmental sustainability initiatives and more.