High operational costs, evolving consumer expectations and inconsistent cold-chain infrastructure have long challenged the dairy industry. Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, has recently launched DefrigeratedTM Dairy – a groundbreaking approach to providing nutritious, delicious yogurt extending the reach to underserved communities in Middle East and Africa.
Transforming Access to Dairy Nutrition
Rising temperatures and fragmented cold supply chains have made fresh dairy products inaccessible to remote and local communities in MEA. Egypt, for instance, records 285-300 days per year with temperatures exceeding 30oc, (up to 35oc in some areas)1. In North Africa, only <20% of perishable products can travel through an unbroken cold-chain2, and approximately 60% of households remain off-grid in rural areas3.
This has created significant barriers to distribution of nutritious dairy products in a market with high potential for growth. DefrigeratedTM Dairy offers an innovative solution that completely redefines how yogurt is produced, stored, and consumed. By eliminating the refrigeration requirement, it becomes possible to extend the reach of dairy products to remote and lower-income communities – providing essential nutrients and improving dietary quality in regions where traditional supply chains fall short.
DefrigeratedTM Dairy Drives Efficiency in Dairy Supply Chains
The success of DefrigeratedTM Dairy lies in the precision and science behind its production methods. Utilizing advanced fermentation and heat-treatment processes, this cutting-edge solution creates yogurt with a long shelf life that retains exceptional quality, flavor and nutritional integrity. DefrigeratedTM Dairy not only breaks free from the constraints of traditional cold chains but also reduces energy consumption and operational costs for manufacturers and distributors.
Designed to meet local preferences without compromising on health benefits, the product serves as an example of how biosolutions can rise to the challenges of tomorrow while addressing the pressing needs of today.
Unlocking Market Opportunities
The MEA region presents huge potential for dairy market growth. Research highlights a significant rise in demand for ambient-style dairy products in countries like Morocco, Kenya, and Ethiopia, where UHT milk consumption has doubled since 2018. In Saudi Arabia, Vision-2030 initiatives have transformed the landscape: the country has increased domestic UHT production capacity and reduced import dependence, positioning itself as a regional engine for dairy innovation and self-sufficiency4. These advances are not only enhancing local supply chains but are also setting new standards for efficiency and resilience across the region.
This shift underscores the appeal of convenience, affordability and accessibility – qualities that DefrigeratedTM Dairy embodies with unmatched efficiency.
This concept empowers manufacturers to expand into untapped rural markets, offering more consumption occasions to families and communities that have historically lacked access to refrigeration. It also provides a competitive advantage by reducing spoilage, improving profitability and opening up opportunities for localization, thereby fostering economic growth in local communities.
A Vision For the Future
DefrigeratedTM Dairy is more than just a new product concept from Novonesis – it reflects a future-ready approach to solving critical challenges in the food and beverages industry. By addressing the limitations imposed by extreme climates and infrastructural deficits, it positions itself as a lifeline for millions while promoting sustainable growth across regions grappling with escalating environmental and economic pressures.
“Defrigerated Dairy is not just an innovation – it’s a lifeline for communities where refrigeration is scarce,” Jehad Abuzahedeh, Head of Dairy in the Middle East said. “This innovation represents a future where nutrition has no boundaries, and where technology bridges the gap between rural markets and healthy, affordable dairy products.”
Ready to meet the rising demand for ambient-stable dairy products, DefrigeratedTM Dairy serves as a testimony to Novonesis’ commitment to combining innovation with practicality to build a healthier and more accessible future for all.
For more information, visit www.novonesis.com/en
1 National Meteorological Authority of Egypt, 2015-2024 2 Sustainable Energy for All, 2024 3 UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2023 4 Vision 2030 Strategic Report, 2024
