Italian agro-industrial operator Granarolo Group has launched new milk-based beverage Granarolo GPlus in the country.

The beverage claims it contains 30% less sugar than regular milk and is set to be made available from next month. It will be developed in Granarolo Group’s Gioia del Colle (BA) facility in Puglia.

Granarolo Group chairman Gianpiero Calzolari said: “This is a unique innovation that can create a new product category and meet the emerging demand of consumers, who are increasingly attracted by functional foods that are good for you.

Quoting Nielsen, Calzolari added: “Indeed, wellness and health is the biggest-growing sector in the market, recording a volume increase of 6.9% and a value increase of 6.7% in wellness, as well as a 20% volume increase and 18% value increase in health.”

“Wellness and health is the biggest-growing sector in the market, recording a volume increase of 6.9% and a value increase of 6.7% in wellness, as well as a 20% volume increase and 18% value increase in health.”

The company employs a two-step production process to develop, which involves breaking down the milk sugar, and lactose into glucose and galactose. This ensures the drink is suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant.

A filtering system then separates the different components of the milk, resulting in a product with reduced sugar content.

The full range comes in refrigerated and long-life shelf versions, both containing skimmed milk and semi-skimmed milk variants.

A 0.5l long-life shelf version will be available in three different formulae, each orientated towards magnesium, vitamins B6 and B12, fibre, and omega3.