Milk in Ramadan markets…the Emirati product dominates the supply

A field survey conducted by “Emirates Today” on a number of major sales outlets in the country’s markets showed the presence of about 25 brands of liquid milk products of various types, which reflects the broad base of options available to consumers.

The survey showed the diversity of milk products between three main types, including: fresh milk, long-life milk, and evaporated and condensed milk, all of which come from cows or camels.

The survey showed that the diversity is not limited to the type of product only, but also extends to the nutritional properties and different compositions, as there are full-fat products, low-fat products, and fat-free products, as well as types that are high in protein, or fortified with various proteins and vitamins.

The survey revealed a remarkable diversity in countries of origin between locally made and imported products, while Emirati products accounted for the largest share of the market supply. He also revealed that organic milk products, especially fresh ones, are the highest in price compared to other types in local markets, as the price of some one-liter organic containers reaches about 21 dirhams.

Two officials at sales outlets confirmed to Emirates Al-Youm that milk products of various types are witnessing an increase in demand during Ramadan at rates exceeding 40% compared to normal periods, attributing this to the reliance of many communities residing in the country on preparing meals and food items whose basic components include milk, in larger quantities than usual.

diversity

In detail, a field survey conducted by Emirates Today on major retail outlets in the country revealed the availability of about 25 brands of liquid milk products of various types, amid a diversity of available products, which include three main types, including: fresh milk, long-life milk, and types of evaporated and condensed milk, all of which come from cows or camels.

The survey showed a diversity of milk products in terms of available fat, between full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free products, as well as high-protein products, and others fortified with different proteins and vitamins.

There are also types of long-life lactose-free milk products, which are intended for consumers who have symptoms of lactose intolerance, and are usually available at higher prices than other milk products.

Multiple sizes

The survey showed that fresh milk is offered on the market in multiple sizes, starting from small containers of 180 milliliters, passing through containers of 500 milliliters, reaching containers with a capacity of one and two liters, and larger sizes of up to 3.78 litres. Packaging materials also vary between plastic and glass containers.

As for long-life milk, it is also available in different sizes, from small containers of 150 milliliters to common containers of one liter capacity, and is also offered in multiple flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and banana, in addition to unflavored varieties.

Long-life milk is produced from fresh milk that is subjected to very high temperatures in order to sterilize it, and then packed in sterile containers to ensure that it is preserved for consumption for long periods that may exceed six months without the need for refrigeration before opening the container. After opening it, it must be kept in the refrigerator, with a recommendation to use it within a period not exceeding seven days to ensure quality and safety.

Specialists advise choosing products whose packaging indicates that they are made from fresh milk and not milk powder, in addition to the need to take into account individual health needs when purchasing, whether in terms of the percentage of fat in long-term milk (low-fat or skim), or choosing lactose-free products for those who have problems digesting this substance.

“Evaporator” and “Condenser”

The survey also revealed the availability of evaporated and condensed milk products, which are concentrated products from which about 60% of the water content is removed, giving them a denser texture and a longer shelf life. The difference between condensed and evaporated milk is that condensed milk has sugar added and is often used in preparing types of sweets, while evaporated milk does not contain sugar additives and is used in hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, or in various cooking processes.

The survey also showed the presence of milk products made from camel milk, offered in various forms, whether plain or with added flavors such as chocolate, cardamom, saffron or dates, which reflects the market’s interest in meeting multiple tastes and offering options of a local and heritage character.

Countries of origin

Regarding countries of origin, the survey showed a noticeable diversity between locally made products and others imported from Saudi Arabia, in addition to products of Iranian and French origin, and others coming from Italy, Turkey, Spain, and a number of different European countries.

Products manufactured in the UAE lead the largest share of the total supply in the markets, followed by products of Saudi origin.

Organic milk products, especially fresh ones, are the highest in price compared to other types in local markets, as the price of some one-liter organic containers reaches about 21 dirhams, which reflects the high cost of production and special standards associated with this type of product.

High demand

In addition, the sales official at one of the stores, Rikesh Abishai, said that the demand for milk, whether fresh or long-life, increases by more than 40% during the Ramadan season compared to normal periods, pointing out that long-life milk is more in demand during Ramadan. Due to its long shelf life and the ease of storing it outside refrigeration equipment before opening it, unlike fresh milk, which requires keeping it constantly refrigerated.

For his part, another sales official, Muhammad Amin, said that the high demand for milk of various types during the month of Ramadan is due to the reliance of many communities residing in the country on preparing meals and food items whose basic ingredients include milk, in larger quantities than usual.

He added that the great diversity of products available in the country’s markets contributes to providing multiple alternatives to consumers, and helps maintain the balance of prices, noting that the percentage of increase in demand during Ramadan ranges between 30 and 40%, especially with the promotional offers and discounts witnessed in the markets during this period, which in turn contribute to enhancing the volume of sales.

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Health benefits

Milk is a rich source of high-quality protein necessary for several vital functions in the human body, including growth and regulating the immune system.

The protein in milk contains essential amino acids that may help reduce age-related muscle loss. They are also useful in building muscle, in addition to increasing muscle mass in the body and improving physical performance in the elderly.

Milk is rich in potassium, which can promote the expansion of blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, and consuming potassium can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to a number of studies.

Drinking milk is associated with being supportive of healthy bones, due to the rich mixture of nutrients in it, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and protein, and these nutrients are necessary to maintain strong and healthy bones.

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25 brands

«Almarai», «Marmum», «Al Ain Farms», «Our Life», «Al Rawabi», «Carrefour», «Al Etihad», «Lulu», «Mleiha», «Al Safi», «Lacnor», «Nadec», «Nada», «Safa», «Keota», «Baladi», «Illy & Fair», «Arla», «Organic Larder», «Aruganelichus», «Camichlos», «KDD», «Abuqus», «Abiva», «Cald».

. 40% increase in demand for milk during Ramadan.