CHINA – Chinese dairy giant Yili has partnered with Xampla, a University of Cambridge spin-off to unveil microencapsulation technology to fortify heat-treated dairy beverages and enhance nutritional profile of its products.
According to research, Microencapsulation involves encasing perishable nutrients such as probiotics and vitamins in a protective, edible membrane.
The technology allows these sensitive ingredients to withstand processes like ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, which would otherwise degrade them.
The result is a range of shelf-stable dairy products fortified with nutrients that typically require refrigeration or would be lost during manufacturing.
The collaboration has seen the launch of a microencapsulation product, known as Morro Nutri, designed to safeguard vitamins and nutrients, particularly oil-based vitamins, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids, from degradation due to UV light, pH variations, and heat.
The product contains plant-based material used for encapsulation ensuring that the ingredients remain stable throughout the product’s shelf life and are effectively delivered to the intestinal tract, enhancing their health benefits.
“Having the support of this leading global dairy brand has significantly bolstered our position as pioneers in food and beverage fortification technology,” Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla said.
“We are eager to see our groundbreaking microencapsulation technology transition from the lab to a market of health and environment-conscious consumers.”
According to Gerrit Smit, Managing Director of the Yili Innovation Center Europe, Yili’s Innovation Center Europe, which invests in startups across the dairy supply chain, will pilot this collaboration with Xampla.
“We are thrilled to commence this pilot project with Xampla. Yili is committed to introducing next-generation products that offer enhanced nutrition and health benefits to our consumers,” he said.
In addition to its work with dairy products, Xampla is also noted for its contributions to soluble and edible packaging solutions and alternatives to plastic microcapsules used in the home and personal care sectors.
The company’s previous collaborations, including one with Britvic in 2022 to protect vitamins in soft drinks, and its development of plant-based edible alternatives to plastic films, underscore its role as a sustainable packaging innovator.
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