#China #Hong Kong #Yili Group #Infant Formula #Pro-Kido

Yili Group Unveils Pro-Kido Infant Formula in Hong Kong

On May 20, Yili Group announced the launch of its Pro-Kido infant formula in Hong Kong, celebrating its entry into this competitive market. With Yili maintaining its position as the leading milk powder brand in China, Pro-Kido stands out as a flagship product in the company’s portfolio. This launch signifies a new phase for Yili as it accelerates its global expansion strategy to enhance its international presence in the dairy industry.

The event was marked by a strategic partnership announcement with Mannings, the largest health and beauty store chain in Hong Kong. This collaboration is part of Yili's broader strategy to strengthen its market presence and consumer accessibility in the region. Zhang Yipeng, the Vice President of Yili Group, expressed that Hong Kong serves as an international gateway, and Yili aims to collaborate with global partners to seize emerging opportunities while delivering high-quality, nutritious, and appealing products to consumers worldwide.

Innovations and Research Advances

During the launch, Dr. Ignatius Szeto, Deputy Chairman of Yili Group and Director of the Global Maternal and Child Nutrition Research Center, presented the company's comprehensive nutrition strategy termed "Four in One" along with recent findings from its HMO+ innovation ecosystem. An accompanying technical report titled "Key Achievements in Breast Milk Research" was unveiled, prepared in collaboration with academic experts. The report highlights 13 major findings, including the first detailed profile of the amino acid composition of Chinese breast milk and the relationship between HMOs and infant gut microbiota.

Professor Paul Moughan, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry in New Zealand, praised Yili’s commitment to scientific rigor, stating, "My team has worked closely with Yili for the last decade. I have been tremendously impressed by the thoroughness and strict adherence to science that the company exhibits." He acknowledged that Yili's investment in nutrition and health has significantly contributed to the global landscape of maternal and child health research.

Commitment to Quality

The newly launched Pro-Kido Aronurish infant formula is produced at Yili’s Modern Intelligence Health Valley facility located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Yili asserts that this state-of-the-art facility incorporates technologies and equipment from over ten countries, leading the industry in scale, innovation, and digital intelligence. The company has established a global supply network with more than 2,000 partners, setting benchmark quality standards.

Barry Cole, Global Application Management Director for Nutritional Formulas at GEA Group, highlighted their 25-year partnership with Yili, aimed at building manufacturing facilities that have set industry standards for quality. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring product quality through the strictest technological standards.

According to Wu Zhijun, President of Eurofins Scientific Group (China), the Aronurish infant formula has undergone over 300 quality and safety tests, with all results meeting international standards. This illustrates Yili's relentless pursuit of quality as a key pillar of its product development.

Global Market Expansion

Leveraging its robust international industrial network, Yili continues to provide healthy products and solutions to consumers globally. As part of the recent collaboration, the Pro-Kido Aronurish infant formula will be made available across all Mannings stores in Hong Kong. Margaret Lau, Director of Child Care, Confectionery, and GMS for Mannings HK, noted that Pro-Kido is the first Chinese-manufactured infant formula to be featured at Mannings, expressing the company’s commitment to offering a broader range of high-quality health solutions.

As a leading dairy brand in Asia, Yili has intensified its global outreach and business expansion, transforming from a follower to a global pioneer. The company registered total revenues of ¥115.78 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, which included ¥29.68 billion from milk powder and related dairy products, marking a year-over-year growth of 7.53%. While maintaining its leadership position in China's milk powder sales, Yili also reported a striking 68% growth in overseas infant formula sales.

In conclusion, Yili’s launch of Pro-Kido in Hong Kong not only marks a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy but also highlights its commitment to quality, innovation, and nutrition in the dairy industry.