Since the 2010 launch of Bright Dairy's Mosili'an ambient drinking yogurt - the first such product in China - the category has grown to account for 13% of the country's yogurt market, according to Tetra Pak.
By year end 2017, sales of ambient drinking yogurt in China are expected to approach €5bn ($5.6bn).
This, Switzerland-based Tetra Pak says, “illustrates the scale of opportunity the product presents globally.”
“We have been delighted to work with our customers to develop a new dairy category in China. Ambient drinking yoghurt is flourishing because it appeals to the lifestyle of the modern day consumer, not just in China but globally,” said Dan Björklund, manager of Tetra Pak’s Centre of Dairy Expertise.
“Dairy brands have recognised this and we are getting requests for the product from small local producers, as well as international companies, from all around the world," Björklund added.
In 2013, Bright Dairy credited Tetra Pak with helping “cement” the premium image of its premium Mosili’an brand with a relaunch.
Bright Dairy launched Mosili'an in response to increasing consumer demand for yogurt that could be consumed on-the-go.
It was first marketed in a plastic cup, but Bright Dairy turned to Tetra Pak for guidance after a less-than-satisfactory market entry.
Bright Dairy later relaunched in Tetra Pak’s Tetra Prism Aseptic carton.
Since Bright Dairy's 2010 launch of Mosili'an, 13 dairies have entered the Chinese ambient drinking yogurt sector with Tetra Pak processing lines.