China’s Dairy Leap: Yili’s Tech Breakthroughs Redefine the Future
The Yili Group, a leading player in the dairy industry, is making significant strides in technological innovation, setting new standards for China’s dairy sector. The company has developed an independent lactoferrin extraction technology, achieving an activity retention rate of over 90%, a metric that exceeds global standards. This breakthrough tackles a major bottleneck in the dairy supply chain, underscoring Yili’s dedication to enhancing functional dairy products.
Moreover, advancements in dairy production and genetics are part of Yili’s strategy. Its subsidiary, Skxing, has bred bulls leading China’s dairy sire rankings. The development of “Breeding Chip No 1” marks a critical leap, enabling independent genomic testing for producing robust and high-yielding dairy cows, thus positioning China as a frontrunner in agribusiness genetics.
International recognition of Yili’s innovative products came on October 18, 2024, when its Satine Lactoferrin Organic Milk won the New Product Development Innovation Award at the IDF World Dairy Summit. This world-first ambient organic milk containing active lactoferrin is a result of Yili’s proprietary technologies, overcoming prior supply challenges for this essential compound.
Looking towards 2025, Yili plans to expand its Future Intelligence & Health Valley by launching a 150,000-ton natural cheese facility and a 63,000-ton milk powder facility, pivotal elements in the company’s growth strategy. Alongside, it is committed to environmental sustainability, implementing measures to curb energy and water consumption, contributing to a green and low-carbon industrial transformation.
Collaborating with the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, Yili continues to focus on localizing ingredients and developing high-value, functional products tailored to Chinese nutritional needs. These endeavors are revolutionizing dairy from basic nutrition to precision health, firmly establishing China as a global leader in dairy innovation with significant implications for international dairy economics.
