In January 2022, Houston’s introduced Lactaid shelf-stable dairy milks into our portfolio of offerings.
With high retail brand-recognition, Lactaid is well known to consumers as being a lactose-free milk option, which may be more digestion-friendly compared to traditional dairy milk. For Houston’s position as a nationwide distributor to café and restaurant suppliers, the primary advantage is that Lactaid is now available in shelf-stable packaging.
Lactaid packed in aseptic containers does not require refrigeration until opened, and has a shelf life of 9 months. While plant-based alternative milks have been sealed in aseptic packages for years, it’s only recently that real dairy milk has been given the same treatment. Packaging technology has progressed enough to ensure safe unrefrigerated storage of dairy milk.
It is estimated that the aseptic packaged segment of the dairy industry will reach sales near $25 billion by the year 2024. It’s no surprise that the category is surging. While the demand for non-dairy alternative milks has skyrocketed over the past few years, there remains a large segment of consumers who do want their lattes, frappes, and chai made with real dairy milk.
Aseptic packaging is the distributor and operator’s dream come true in meeting that demand. Aseptic containers ensure a safe product, reduce waste due to spoilage, and save money on the bottom line as refrigeration (and its associated expenses) is not required.
Lactaid is produced by HP Hood, a family-owned dairy company that can trace its roots all the way back to 1846, when Harvey Perley Hood set up shop in Charlestown, Massachusetts. True to their roots, Hood remains a family-owned operation today.
Hood produces offerings in the non-dairy alternative milk category as well. Almond Breeze almond milk and Plant Oat oatmilk are two trusted brands which align with the proven growth trend of plant-based product demand within the café industry.
In 2019, sales of almond milk grew to $1.3 billion, representing 250% growth since 2010, per Nielsen. Oatmilk had a banner year in 2020, with sales exploding by 317% over its prior year.
Houston’s carries specially formulated “barista” editions of Almond Breeze and Plant Oat, which stand up well to the steaming process for eye-catching latte art and microfoam production on par with real dairy milk. These varieties are also packaged in aseptic containers for long shelf life and no refrigeration required.
With important innovations in product packaging, dairy milk can now join plant-based alternative milk in our customers’ warehouses. It’s certainly a dream come true for distributors, suppliers, and those consumers who are looking for real milk in their café beverages.
For more foodservice industry trends, visit the Houston’s Blog.
