USDEC partners with Jiangnan University in China

The US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has partnered with China’s Jiangnan University to create new research and educational opportunities at food science centres, as a response to future demand for nutritious products in China.

The partnership was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two parties.

USDEC president and CEO Tom Vilsack said: “China’s economy continues to grow. Its cities continue to get larger. Its middle class continues to expand. The number of Chinese children born continues to increase.

“There is going to be a great demand for protein in general and dairy protein in particular, everything from infant formula to health bars that contain whey protein and protein concentrate.

“There is no question the United States’ dairy industry will increase dairy production over time. That means we can be a consistent supplier to help match the growth of demand in the Chinese market.

“The products from the US will continue to be safe and I think there will be a growing awareness of US Dairy’s commitment to sustainability.”

Going forward, the new partnership is also expected to prepare a platform to further increase the dairy exports from the US to China, and providing more safe, secure and sustainable choices for Chinese consumers.

Jiangnan University vice-president Xu Yan said: “We are very pleased to establish the US-China Dairy Innovation Center at our university together with USDEC.

“The centre aims to facilitate research innovation and technical services for the dairy and food industries, and also strengthen education cooperation and research collaboration in dairy science and technology between our two countries.”

USDEC anticipates that the new partnership with Jiangnan University would result in the development of China-friendly product formulations that incorporate the US dairy ingredients, as well as providing access to in-market facilities for USEDC and its member companies.

The partnership will give students the opportunity to gain new experiences at Jiangnan University through dairy science and technology programmes.

The partnership will also help to eliminate trade barriers between the two countries.