(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Wanna taste camel milk ice cream? Get ready to spend more as Al Ain Dairy introduced premium camel milk ice cream and pure camel milk powder to the mass market on Monday. These products are now available in select retail outlets throughout the UAE under the Camelait brand.
"Camel milk is two-and€half times more expensive than cow's milk and is hence targeted at high-end users. There has been a forecast that both camel milk and dates are going to be superfoods for the next five to eight years. What we have done is match what is available in this country with what we believe is an inherent demand. The primary issue with camel milk is that it is not available in organised dairies anywhere else in the world. We are happy to launch it here and take it globally as and when demand surfaces. The ice cream is ethnic and can be paired with local cuisine, given the growth of the UAE hospitality industry," said Shashi Kumar Menon, COO, Al Ain Dairy.
When asked about the company's growth prospects, Menon said: "The milk industry grows between eight to nine per cent given the annual population growth. However, we have been more proactive and hence registered double-digit growth. We expect to repeat it in the current year."
Al Ain Dairy has launched six camel ice cream flavours - date, saffron, cardamom, chocolate, caramel and lite raspberry vanilla. This ice cream combines 100 per cent fresh camel milk ice cream with complimentary sauces and/or nut pieces. All flavours are available in 125ml and 1 litre tubs.
"This is a monumental achievement not only in the history of Al Ain Dairy, but also for the UAE as a whole. We strive to be at the forefront of bringing innovative products to the market," said Abdullah Saif Al Darmaki, CEO of Al Ain Dairy.
Al Ain Dairy's camel milk powder comes with a shelf life of one year, also making it a prime product for export to international market. It is available in 25g and 400g pouches and a multi-pack (10x25g pouches).
These new Camelait products will add to Al Ain Dairy's portfolio. Recent accolades include 'Most Innovative Product' prize at SIAL 2014, nominated as 'Highly Recommended Product' at Gulfoods 2015, named 'Favourite Dairy Brand' by BBC Good Food ME and 'Best Nutritional Drink' at Dubai Drink Technology Expo.
With the international exposure the products received at SIAL Paris, SIAL Middle East and Gulfoods 2015, export plans are on the horizon for these products as discussions are under way with global distribution partners.
"As demand for naturally nutritious products rises in European and North American markets, the presence of our products is necessary now more than ever. And with new studies showing the medical benefits of camel milk, it is our mission to ensure these locally produced products are available to consumers around the world," said Al Darmak.
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