With over 20 years of experience in the FMCG market and an additional 5 years specializing in dairy solutions, Katie Verlaan spearheads Global Strategy & Innovation in the Performance and Active Nutrition segments at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.
Katie's extensive background spans both B2C and B2B sectors, where she leverages her innate curiosity about consumer behavior and the science behind ingredients to shape market trends. Leading a highly motivated cross-functional team, she delves into market dynamics, channel and customer needs, and pioneering research to craft solutions that address customer challenges and uncover new opportunities.
The global functional yogurt market has surpassed 100 billion RMB, with 80% of Chinese consumers being drawn to "high-protein" or "healthy" labels when purchasing yogurt. While probiotic yogurt "blockbusters" have taken Chinese streets by storm, the category still faces some challenges, such as limited functionality. FrieslandCampina Ingredients is now offering Chinese yogurt brands more options for differentiated innovation with its multidimensional combination of "high protein, prebiotics, and DHA."
NutriWhey™ ProHeat, a heat-stable microparticulated whey protein, addresses the challenges of incorporating whey protein into liquid applications. It helps yogurt brands maximize the nutritional benefits of whey protein while creating innovative yogurt products with exceptional texture and sensory appeal. The dairy-derived prebiotic Biotis® GOS (galactooligosaccharides) boasts excellent heat and acid stability, a clean and mildly sweet taste, and positive effects on consumers' gut health. Additionally, the integration of microencapsulated DHA into dairy products preserves the brain-health-promoting active ingredients while avoiding any unpleasant taste or odor.
Let us look forward to how FrieslandCampina Ingredients, through insight and innovation, will help brands reshape the future of the yogurt market.