The company will export its food-service milk product to the country in bag-in-box packages fitted with an innovative tap manufactured by International Dispensing Corporation, which Naarmann will have exclusive rights to import into Pakistan.
The company promises a six-month shelf life for its shipments and will guarantee 10 days of ambient non-refrigerated dispensing with IDC’s The Answer tap. This device promises to serve UHT liquids while maintaining shelf-stability of remaining contents for an extended time period without refrigeration.
The technology is both commercially significant and a global breakthrough for milk preservation and safety, said the family company’s chief executive, Claus Naarmann, citing the breakneck growth of foodservice in the country.
Pakistanis currently consume some 40bn litres of milk a year, most of which is unprocessed and often labelled from open vats into plastic bags.
With limited refrigeration available in its supply chain, Pakistan would benefit especially from the use of large-format aseptic packaging that allows contents to maintain their safety and integrity without chilling for its entire lifespan, Naarmann said.
“Naarmann’s bulk bag-in-box package with The Answer offers not just a cost-competitive solution, but also a unique closed system that is safe, sanitary, and unadulterated.
“The Punjab government’s recent campaign to introduce minimum pasteurisation laws makes the timing excellent,” the chief executive added.
The company will be targeting local foodservice, home-delivery and the large “loose milk” retail segment. It predicts “significant” volumes based on “commercial acceptance”.
“We are very excited about the opportunities that our cost effective packaging solution for high-quality milk will generate in Pakistan, and are gearing up for a long-term presence there,” said Naarman.
“The Answer truly is the answer for dairy safety and quality, especially in markets lacking refrigeration.”
Greg Abbott, chairman and chief executive of the New York-based packaging research and development company, said IDC’s partnership with Naarmann will be “making history” in South Asia.
“We intend to build a robust and flourishing business in Pakistan, to transform this enormous market for the better and make a monumental contribution to food safety,” he added.