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Extended shelf life milk

Extended shelf-life (ESL) milk refers to pasteurized milk that has been processed to last longer than traditional pasteurized milk. ESL milk can last for up to two to three weeks, compared to regular pasteurized milk which typically has a shelf life of about a week.

ESL milk is processed using a range of techniques, such as ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing, microfiltration, or a combination of both. UHT processing involves heating milk to a very high temperature (135-150 °C) for a short period of time (2-6 seconds), which kills all the bacteria and spores in the milk and results in a sterile product that can be stored at room temperature without spoiling. Microfiltration involves removing bacteria and spores from the milk using fine filters, which extends the shelf life of the milk.

ESL milk is popular among consumers who prefer to buy milk in larger quantities or who have limited access to grocery stores. It is also used by food manufacturers and food service providers who require a longer shelf life for their products.

The market scope for extended shelf-life milk (ESL) has been growing steadily in recent years, as consumers are increasingly seeking out convenient and longer-lasting options for milk. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global market for ESL milk is projected to reach $19.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2025.

The demand for ESL milk is driven by several factors, including changing consumer preferences, longer distribution chains, and an increase in urbanization. ESL milk is particularly popular in regions with limited access to refrigeration, such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where it is a staple product. In developed countries, ESL milk is gaining popularity due to its convenience and longer shelf life.

The market for ESL milk is highly competitive, with several major players including Nestle, Danone, Arla Foods, and Parmalat. These companies are investing in product innovation and marketing to meet the changing demands of consumers and to maintain their market share.

The major players in the Market for Extended shelf-life milk are as follows:

Arla Foods
Dairy Farmers of America
Nestle
Parmalat
Saputo
Dean Foods
Danone
Fonterra
Müller
Yili

The commercial production of extended shelf-life milk involves several steps, including:

Raw milk collection: Raw milk is collected from dairy farms and transported to the processing plant.
Filtration: The raw milk is filtered to remove any impurities and particles.
Preheating: The milk is preheated to around 60-70°C to remove any bacteria that may be present.
UHT treatment: The preheated milk is then heated to a temperature of 135-150°C for a few seconds and then rapidly cooled to ambient temperature.
Aseptic packaging: The UHT-treated milk is then packaged in a sterile environment using aseptic packaging techniques to prevent any contamination.
Storage and distribution: The packaged milk is then stored and distributed under controlled temperature conditions to maintain its quality and freshness.

The production of extended shelf-life milk requires specialized equipment and expertise and involves several quality control checks to ensure that the final product meets the required standards for safety and quality.