[2020 Asia Consumer Awards] Seoul Milk 'Na100%' Trusted for First-Class Somatic Cell Count...

Using Only Raw Milk with Bacteria Count Grade 1A and Somatic Cell Count Grade 1

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Seoul Milk Cooperative is achieving significant success in the dairy processing market by attempting a "milk quality premiumization strategy" through its premium milk "Na100%".

Launched in March 2016, Na100% milk is a dual first-grade milk product using only raw milk that meets both the 1A grade for bacterial count and the first grade for somatic cell count. While the bacterial count grade indicates how cleanly the raw milk is managed, the somatic cell count grade serves as an indicator of the health condition of the dairy cows. High-quality raw milk with low somatic cell counts can only be obtained from healthy cows free from stress or disease. Until now, the hygiene quality of milk was judged solely by bacterial count, but by applying the new standard of somatic cell count, the milk quality has been upgraded to a higher level.

To produce first-grade raw milk with low somatic cell counts, Seoul Milk separates and collects raw milk produced exclusively at Seoul Milk’s dedicated farms according to grade. In addition, Seoul Milk is making multifaceted efforts to produce premium raw milk with first-grade somatic cell counts, including ▲ one-on-one health management of dairy cows by designated veterinarians ▲ dual testing of somatic cell counts at farms and factories ▲ expansion of environmental improvement and education support projects for farms.

Last year, despite the stagnation in the milk market, Seoul Milk Cooperative demonstrated its strength by maintaining a market share in the 40% range. According to data from the market research firm Nielsen Korea, Seoul Milk Cooperative’s market share entered the 40% range at 40.2% in April last year and rose to 40.6% in May. The May figure is the highest market share recorded in the past year.

Meanwhile, Seoul Milk Cooperative pioneered the era of premium milk quality by being the first in Korea in 1984 to complete a cold chain system that ensures the entire intermediate distribution process is refrigerated. In 2009, it introduced the "manufacture date parallel labeling system," providing consumers with an objective standard to select fresh milk.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.