Yili Group Showcases Dairy Innovations and Functional Products at 19th Global Dairy Congress
During the 19th Global Dairy Congress, themed 'Fit for Purpose', held on June 17-18 in Barcelona, Spain, Yili Group showcased its advancements in dairy products and functional health solutions. The event gathered industry leaders and representatives from worldwide dairy sectors. Ignatius Szeto, Yili Group's Vice President, delivered an impactful keynote titled 'Creating Functional Products with High Value-Added Solutions' in a session focused on industry leadership. This marked Yili's tenth participation in the congress, further solidifying its presence on the international dairy stage.
Dr. Szeto emphasized the future significance of precision nutrition as a major growth driver for dairy innovation. According to him, advancements in dairy technologies have enabled the creation of functional products tailored to demographic characteristics and specific health needs. He stressed that the natural nutritional benefits of dairy products position this sector for considerable growth opportunities.
Yili’s presentations during the congress also spotlighted their latest advancements in goat milk, specifically aimed at enhancing nutritional health for families. One of the standout moments was the announcement of the World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026, where Yili was honored with multiple accolades including two awards, ten finalist placements, and seven commendations. Notably, the probiotic yogurt 'Changqing Lemon Oat Popping Beads' was crowned the Best Yogurt, while 'Gonglao's Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin' was recognized as the Best Artisan Product. These accolades were across various categories such as adult nutrition, liquid milk, ice creams, powdered milk, and cream. This recognition marks Yili's seventh consecutive year of receiving awards at this esteemed event.
Richard Hall, President of the Global Dairy Congress, commended Yili for its consistent ability to deliver award-winning innovations despite increasing challenges faced by the dairy industry. He highlighted that the Chinese dairy sector is now at the forefront of global innovation, with Yili emerging as a crucial player in the industry due to its continuous technological advancements and keen understanding of consumer needs.
Additionally, Yili presented a comprehensive range of products at its booth designed to meet diverse and highly specialized health needs including blood sugar management, bone health, cardiovascular care, gastrointestinal nutrition for families, and athlete immunity. These offerings garnered significant interest and were well-received by attending experts.
Over the years, Yili has maintained a consumer-centric approach, relying on precise insights into consumer expectations to develop a comprehensive range of health-focused products that cater to all demographics, life stages, and consumption contexts. According to its latest financial report, revenue generated by new Yili products reached 16.4% in 2025, serving as an essential driver for its qualitative growth.