Tetra Pak Ltd, the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company in collaboration with dairy processors have launched a campaign to raise awareness on Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) milk. The campaign which is endorsed by Rwanda FDA aims at educating the consumers on the nutritional benefits of UHT milk. Kigali, Rwanda July 26,2023

UHT milk refers to milk that has been processed at ulta-high temperature (UHT). The sterilization is made through rapid heating of milk to a temperature of at least 135⁰C, holding it for a few seconds, and then quickly cooling it down to ambient temperature. The milk is then packed in Tetra Pak aseptic packaging that keeps it safe with no need to add preservatives. The Tetra Pak aseptic packaging consists of 6 layers which act as barrier against air and light ensuring no microorganisms enter or grow in the product. Once the package is opened, the milk will be safe for consumption for three (3) days with refrigeration.

Speaking during the launch held at Inyange Industries Ltd, Tetra Park Managing Director Jonathan Kinisu noted that UHT milk lives up to Tetra Pak’s commitment to ‘Make food safe and available everywhere’. UHT milk enables dairly processors to do a wider distribution of milk owing to the extended shelf life.” Availing the milk to the consumers throughout the year will ensure that the population can access the nutritional benefits of safe milk. Milk as designed by nature is a highly nourishing beverage and well-rounded food source that enhances general health with nutrients such as calcium, high quality protein and essential amino acids. This will go a long way in building a healthy population.”

James Biseruka the managing director, Inyange Industries Ltd, highlighted “UHT milk ensures that as processors we can assure farmers of constant milk update due to the long shelf life on the UHT milk. In addition to this we are able to explore more exports markets outside Rwanda as the distribution of the UHT milk is more affordable and convenient as it eliminates the need for cold chain distribution.”

He emphasized that the growth of Rwanda dairly industry would also provide job opportunities to many young Rwandans who will embrace agriculture as a business venture. “If you analyze the market now; you can see that young people have shied away from the dairly industry due to the perception that it is not profitable.” he said.

Recent Statistics from the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture indicate that milk production has increased from 142,511 MT in 2005 to 999,976 MT in 2022.The quality of dairly products is improving, the dairly sector is becoming more competitive, and there is increasing interest from foreign investors. Tetra Pak’s collaboration with dairly processors in Rwanda is expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Rwanda.

The Rwanda dairy sector remains an important contributor to Rwanda’s economic growth as it is estimated to contribute about 37% in the Agricultural sector, which in turn contributes an overall of 27% to Rwanda’s GDP.

Tetra Pak is committed to making milk safe and available everywhere for the health and wellness of Rwandans and the entire region.