Mengniu's Three-Pillar Strategy Unveiled at World Dairy Conference
During the 2026 World Dairy Industry Conference in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Mengniu Group President Gao Fei announced a significant three-pillar strategy centered on basic, functional, and medical nutrition. This initiative is part of Mengniu's vision for the long-term development of the dairy sector, both domestically and internationally.
The basic nutrition pillar focuses on expanding Mengniu's product offerings, particularly lactose-free options, to cater to China's estimated 660 million lactose-intolerant consumers. This expansion is supported by the company's proprietary EHT enzyme hydrolysis technology. Additionally, Mengniu is investing in value-added product categories such as cheese, butter, and cream, enhancing accessibility through its extensive distribution network.
In the realm of functional nutrition, Gao highlighted the importance of precision nutrition designed for specific health needs. Key developments include the M-PLUS high-protein milk, which contains 12 grams of natural protein per 100 milliliters, developed over eight years. The company also focuses on specialized formulations for middle-aged and older populations, addressing cardiovascular health, gut mobility, and blood sugar management.
The medical nutrition pillar emphasizes the growing demand for specialized clinical solutions. Mengniu's Tekangrui facility, the first of its kind in Inner Mongolia, produces Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), such as Ruibao’an for infants with phenylketonuria. The company has also commercialized its proprietary blood-glucose regulating probiotic strain Lc19, which has been published in the scientific journal Cell.
To foster this nutrition-driven growth, Mengniu is committed to an open innovation architecture by sharing its R&D platforms, strain banks, and processing systems with industry partners. The company continues to advance supply chain integration, smart manufacturing, and sustainable processing, supported by its recognition as a World Economic Forum Lighthouse Network plant.
